« Fibromyalgia May Be Linked to a Virus | Fingertips Home | Another Birthday »

October 12, 2009

More Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

When in the kitchen, do as the Romans do. For years studies have been showing that the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil and fish, is good for heart health. Now it may be good for your mental health as well.

The study, done in Spain, followed 10,000 people for 4-1/2 years and reported that those who followed the diet were half as likely to develop depression. The study does not prove a cause and effect relationship, but merely an association.

“Both cardiovascular disease and depression share common mechanisms related to endothelium function and inflammation,” said Dr. Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, professor of preventive medicine at University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.

He states that the because neural sheath are made up of fatty tissues, the quality of the fat consumed in the Mediterranean diet may offer protection against inflammation.

This is all fine and good, but I have questions regarding other issues. Could there be something in the Spanish lifestyle that reduces the incidence of anxiety or depression? What about the role of genetics in depression? What about environment? There are likely more sunny days in Spain than in England or other countries closer to the arctic circle where depression may be more common due to seasonal affective disorder. Also consider that Spain is the food-grower's equivalent to Europe what California is to America. More plentiful and fresher fruits and vegetables may be available to the study population as a result.

But I'm not bashing the Mediterranean diet by any means. Delicious food, made with fresh ingredients, and shared with good friends in a casual atmosphere would sure make me happy. Where do I sign up?

More food for thought, research by Christopher J. Ruhm of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, found that tough economic times lead to better eating choices, and as a result fewer deaths from coronary heart disease. In good economic times, people may choose to eat drink and be merry, but that may not mean making smarter dietary choices. Health may lead to wealth, but it may not work the other way around.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at October 12, 2009 5:48 PM