Student Article
A Healthy Diet Could Reduce the Symptoms of Depression
Depression (noun): A condition that makes people feel very sad and tired.
Processed foods (noun): Foods that have been changed or prepared in a factory.
Lean meats (noun): Meats that have little fat.
Mood (noun): How someone feels.
Eating healthy foods can help you feel better!
A surprising study about foods
A study in Australia found that eating healthy foods can help reduce the symptoms of depression in just three weeks. Young adults who ate a lot of processed foods, sugar, and fats felt much better after eating more fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meats.
The experiment: two different diets
Scientists at Macquarie University in Sydney studied 76 students aged 17-35 with poor diets and symptoms of depression. They split the students into two groups. One group continued with their usual diets, while the other group received advice on healthy eating and a basket of healthy foods.
What changed after three weeks?
After three weeks, the group that ate healthy foods showed a big improvement in their mood. Their depression scores dropped to normal levels. The group that continued eating unhealthily did not show much improvement.
The changes lasted
The scientists checked in with some of the students three months later. They found that those who continued eating healthy foods kept feeling better.
© Rob Banino / Our Media
Depression (noun): A condition that makes people feel very sad and tired.
Processed foods (noun): Foods that have been changed or prepared in a factory.
Lean meats (noun): Meats that have little fat.
Mood (noun): How someone feels.