On tough days when feelings of depression and anxiety seem to take over, our diet can play a significant role in improving our mood and mental well-being.
Scientists have recently identified two specific types of diets that may help reduce or ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A significant study done by experts at Bond University in Australia looked at how certain diets affect mental health.
Which 2 diets are beneficial to reduce depression and anxiety?
After reviewing 25 different studies with a total of 57,000 adults, researchers found evidence that eating low-fat diets might help reduce feelings of anxiety, especially for people who have health issues like obesity or insulin resistance.
The research also shows that eating fewer calories can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A calorie-restrictive diet:
A calorie-restrictive diet means eating fewer calories each day (about 1,500) to lose weight and avoiding processed and sugary foods is also recommended.
A low-fat diet:
In a low-fat diet, less than 30% of your daily energy (calories) should come from fats, which is the healthy amount suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although the study found that both calorie-restricted and low-fat diets can be beneficial, the researchers still recommend that people experiencing depression or anxiety should consult a doctor before making any changes to their diet.
