Concretely, the application offers monitoring of your diet to prevent depression, but also to manage it. Wacky? Not so much since the nutritional program is based on scientifically collected data. So, what do we eat? According to studies, diets high in processed, fried foods, refined grains and sugars contribute to depression. “Studies show bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut, via neuronal, endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways,” explained Joël Doré, national research director at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, l food and the environment, during a conference launching the Food4Mood application.
Fruits, vegetables, potatoes, water and even organic: pesticides are everywhere, “no one escapes them”
An unbalanced diet would thus be a breeding ground for the development of inflammation. So, what miracle diet would promote good mental health. Once again, it is the Mediterranean diet which is cited as an example. Not only is it known to fight against cardiovascular diseases, but it is also said to be the most beneficial for fighting depression. According to a study conducted in France, there was a 33% reduction in the risk of depression among people who adopted this diet. Another clinical trial (Calm), carried out in Australia, also demonstrated that combining this specific diet with physical activity is as effective in monitoring depression as psychotherapy.
The secrets of the Mediterranean diet
It is the balance of fats in the Mediterranean diet that explains all the benefits of this lifestyle. Starting with monounsaturated fats, contained in particular in extra-virgin olive oil, are an excellent anti-inflammatory and protector of brain functions. Polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 and Omega 6), present in nuts or fatty fish, promote the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and reduce the risk of depression.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes are, for their part, particularly rich in polyphenols, and also have an effect on the gut-brain axis. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, squash (rich in carotenoids) or cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower help fight age-related cognitive decline thanks to their detoxification properties of harmful compounds.
Rich in these lessons, the Food4Mood application allows you to adapt your nutritional diet in order to prevent or treat depression. More than an apple a day that keeps the doctor away, adapting your diet can make your life much more joyful.
Eggs from a farm where the well-being of the hen is a priority
