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We’ve long been aware that fish has a worthy place in our diet, what with all of the Omega 3s, Vitamin D and other heroic nutrients found within it. From improving your skin to protecting your heart, the benefits of fish have been well documented by professionals in the field. Increasingly, more and more research is suggesting that fish can reduce our chances of developing depression, leading to a happier, more emotionally stable life in general. Good news, right?
According to a Chinese study (at the Qingdao University), reported by Dispatch Times, men who consume fish have a 20% lower risk of developing depression in life while women who welcomed a lot of fish in their diet had a 16% lower risk. Researchers arrived at this conclusion after reviewing 26 studies going back 15 years and involving 150,278 participants.
?Higher fish consumption may be beneficial in the primary prevention of depression,? reports lead author Professor Dongfeng Zhang. “The high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals found in fish may help stave off depression while eating a lot of fish may be an indicator of a healthy and more nutritious diet.?
#ICYMI: Little Green Spoon’s Sun-Dried Tomato Seed Crusted Cod
Though such links have been identified, it’s not yet known precisely why symptoms of depression could be avoided with an increase of fish in our diets. Further research is required however it’s been theorised that the presence of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and their effect on the brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels may have something to do with it.
Of course choosing to increase or decrease the amount of fish in your diet won’t be solely responsible for the presence or absence of depression, but this encouraging study further supports the fact that our diets have an awful lot do with our overall mental wellbeing and it’s something we should take seriously.
So, seafood paella for dinner; what’s the harm?