Pasta and Carb-rich Food Linked with Depression and Inflammation

A 12-year- study links pasta and other carbohydrate-rich diets with depression and inflammation.

This research was conducted by a team led by Michel Lucas, Ph.D., from the Harvard School of Public Health. Over 43,000 women with no history of depression participated.

These women were asked about their diet and eating habits and their blood tests were overseen by the researchers. It was found that the women consuming pasta, chips, bread, red meat and soft drinks were 29 to 21 percent more prone to depression.

These women also displaye biomarkers pointing towards illnesses like heart ailments, strokes, cancer and diabetes, reported by prevention.com. 

Carbohyderates are energy providing nutrients for humans, which can be obtained by eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, grains as well as unhealthy foods like white bread, soft drinks, cookies, soda, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Another study conducted by the researchers of Emory University in September of 2012, aimed at establishing a link between inflammation and depression. The study shed light over the fact that having a healthy diet can help in cutting down severe depression.

"Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or wounding, Andrew H. Miller, MD, senior author for the study and professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine, said in a press release. "However when prolonged or excessive, inflammation can damage many parts of the body, including the brain."

Dr. Lucas, the lead researcher of this study, was not able to elucidate the exact reason for the adverse effect of carbohydrates on the body's immune system and psychological health. But he did recommended consuming some food and drinks like fish, olive oil, wine and various fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables and carrots, which could aid in improving the inflammation and control our moods.