Walnuts are fruits with extraordinary properties: they would also ensure a lower prevalence of symptoms of depression.
Already considered useful for the health of the cardiovascular system and cognitive functions, walnuts would also ensure a lower prevalence of symptoms of depression
Higher energy levels, better concentration and lower prevalence of symptoms of depression: walnuts are not only a precious source of mineral salts, such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, and of vegetable proteins, but are also a panacea for those with mood in pieces. And this would be especially true for women.
According to a new epidemiological study from the David Geffen School of Medicine of the University of California at Los Angeles, according to which the consumption of this type of dried fruit could be associated with a lower prevalence and frequency of symptoms of depression among adults.
After analyzing the dietary data of 26 people, the researchers found that depression scores were 26% lower for nut consumers and 8% lower for other nut consumers, compared to those who did not. they ate nuts at all.
A systematic review
The scholars looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NANHES), which draws on a large sampling of the US population. More than 26 American adults were questioned about their dietary intake over the course of a day or two, as well as symptoms of depression in the past two weeks.
Using a questionnaire, participants rated how often they experienced factors such as lack of interest in doing things, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, feeling tired or having low energy, and difficulty focusing on things. According to the results, nut consumers - with an average consumption of 24 grams per day - were more likely to have more interest in activities, higher energy levels, less “despair”, better concentration and more optimism.
In addition, the beneficial effect - linked to the specifics nutritional elements of nuts, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids - against symptoms of depression it was found to be stronger in women (32% versus 21% of men), who are generally more likely to experience depression and to consume antidepressant drugs.
"Nuts have previously been studied for their role in cardiovascular and cognitive health, and we now see an association with symptoms of depression - this provides another compelling reason to include them in a healthy eating plan," explained Professor Arab. .
As with any scientific research, some study limitations should be considered. Participants were asked about their dietary choices over the course of a day or two, which may not be representative of normal eating patterns. Depression can also change typical appetite and eating behaviors. Also, due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, the results cannot demonstrate cause-and-effect relationship. For this reason, the study will have to be confirmed by further investigations, but the fact remains that nuts and dried fruit in general, eaten regularly and in moderate quantities, remain one of the healthiest foods.
Read also
- Walnuts: properties, benefits, nutritional values, calories and uses
- 20 grams of nuts a day are good for our heart
- Nuts and peanuts are good: all the studies that show it
Germana Carillo
