Those eating more ultra-processed foods are more likely to become depressed. That was the conclusion from a study that followed the diets and health status of over 31,000 formerly healthy US women over an average period of 14 years. 

After adjusting for various confounding factors including age, exercise, and income, women who consumed the most mass-produced processed foods, like bacon, sausages, soda (diet and regular), and junk food snacks were more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression and or use prescription antidepressants. 

What’s more, study subjects who decreased their intake of ultra-processed foods by at least three servings a day diminished their chances of developing depression. 

These findings are not surprising as diet has an enormous influence on mental wellbeing and brain function.

To learn more and to be convinced to reduce or even stop consuming processed foods, please take my FREE mini course, The Perils of Processed Foods. You can watch it in less than 20 minutes! 

Jama September 20, 2023 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809727