publish time

30/09/2023

author name Arab Times

publish time

30/09/2023

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 30: A recent study has revealed a potential connection between the consumption of "ultra-processed" foods and an elevated risk of depression. The study was published in the Gamma Open Network magazine and conducted by the T. H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, focusing on the food choices and mental well-being of over 31,000 women aged between 42 and 62, reports Al-Rai daily.

"Ultra-processed" foods, produced using industrial techniques, encompass a range of items such as juice, chocolate, soft drinks, ice cream, packaged soup, French fries, and frozen meals. Throughout the study, these foods were categorized into nine groups, including those made from ultra-processed grains, sweet snacks, ready-to-eat meals, fats and sauces, ultra-processed dairy products, savory snacks, processed meats, beverages, and artificial sweeteners.

Tanya Freirich, a nutritionist, described ultra-processed foods as those laden with preservatives, stabilizers, artificial colors, and flavors, often allowing for extended shelf life. Examples of these foods include potato chips, sweets, frozen dinners, and soft drinks.

The researchers meticulously considered various factors that might influence depression risk, such as age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, sleep quality, chronic pain, alcohol consumption, income, and existing medical conditions. Upon analysis, they found that individuals consuming higher quantities of ultra-processed foods, particularly those with artificial sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages, displayed greater susceptibility to depression.

One plausible explanation could be the chemical changes in the brain triggered by artificial sweeteners, potentially leading to the development of depression. Freirichs noted that numerous studies have already linked certain food additives to cancer, hormonal changes, weight gain, and mental health, making a link between ultra-processed foods and depression plausible.

Although the study boasted a large sample size, a high follow-up rate, and advanced nutritional assessment tools, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations. Freirichs emphasized that further research with more varied sample sizes might unveil racial and ethnic differences in the correlation between processed food consumption and depression.