Studies Prevent depression with a fish-rich diet

Study: High fish consumption may protect against depression
Nutrition experts recommend eating fish twice a week. Fish is generally considered healthy. In addition to valuable omega-3 fatty acids, it also contains important vitamins. Fish-rich food protects against various diseases. Researchers now report that depression may be prevented as well.

Valuable omega-3 fatty acids
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends that fish be on the menu twice a week. Fish provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids that positively affect the metabolism of fat and the cardiovascular system and also reduce the risk of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Along with vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids are said to help in the winter against the so-called "Seasonal Dependent Depression (SAD)", also called winter depression. Earlier studies have suggested that fish may be able to protect against depression. A meta-study now published by Chinese researchers supports this thesis.

The fatty acids in fish develop a preventive action against depression. (Image: HLPhoto / fotolia.com)

High fish consumption reduces the risk of depression
Researchers from Qingdao University Medical College in Shandong, China, found that people who eat a lot of fish are less prone to mental illness. For their study, the team evaluated 26 published studies with more than 150,000 participants. They recently published their findings in the journal "Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health". According to the researchers, the risk in men with a fish-rich diet fell by 20 percent and in women by 16 percent. The scientists speculate that the reason lies in the omega-3 fatty acids. Previous studies have found that these fatty acids promote brain connectivity, alter the microstructure of the membranes and affect the transmission of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin - both are considered important players in depression.

The number of depression worldwide is increasing
"In addition, the high-quality vitamins and minerals in fish could have a protective effect," said Fang Li and his colleagues. However, it can not be ruled out that someone who is a lot of fish, generally eating healthier and thus contributes to reducing his risk of depression. Further studies are needed to review the positive effects of fish consumption. It must also be investigated whether it has any meaning, which type of fish is consumed. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression - and the trend is rising. "Forecasts predict that depression will be the second leading cause of illness by 2020," said Chinese researchers. (Ad)