Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in nuts and fish can help prevent depression, a new study has claimed.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) found that a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, plant-based foods and fish – typical of what people eat in Mediterranean regions – could actually lower the risk of depression.

Researchers, who worked with partners in Spain and Australia, published their report today in Molecular Psychiatry, giving a comprehensive overview of current evidence on the links between what people eat and their mood.

Lead author, Dr Camille Lassale of UCL’s Epidemiology and Public Health department said: “There is compelling evidence to show that there is a relationship between the quality of your diet and your mental health.”

But the researchers said it’s not as simple as explaining away how over-eating can present angst over body image. “This relationship goes beyond the effect of diet on your body size or other aspects of health that can in turn affect your mood,” said Dr Lassale.

“We aggregated results from a large number of studies and there is a clear pattern that following a healthier, plant-rich, anti-inflammatory diet can help in the prevention of depression.”

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