South Korean researchers recently published a study in Nutrition Research, showing a connection between fatty acid consumption and depression.
The researchers analyzed 6 studies to investigate any connections between omega-3 fatty acid consumption and depression in the elderly. Collectively, the 6 studies involved over 4,600 participants, with a mean age of around 77 years. They split the 4,600 participants into 2 groups: a “well-being mental health group” and a “depressive group”.
What they discovered that while omega 3 fatty acid consumption had no effect on the well-being mental health group, it had a large effect on those with mild to moderate depression, when compared with a placebo.
Omega-3 is naturally found in several foods. Here are the top 10, in order of highest to lowest concentration:
- Mackerel
- Flaxseed (oil or grounded)
- Walnuts
- Caviar
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Herring
- Anchovies
- Whitefish
- Sardines
This study joins a growing body of research showing a strong connection between nutrition and mental health. Here at Truehope, we’ve been promoting nutrition as mental health treatment for over 20 years.