Pasta and Depression Linked? Study Discourages Refined Grains, Red Meat
A study published in a medical journal finds that certain foods such as pasta can cause clinical depression, according to reports this week.
The comprehensive study was published in "Brain, Behavior, and Immunity," which is the official journal of the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS), according to its website.
In the study, researchers found a link between depression and refined grains such as pasta and chips. The 12-year-long study looked at 43,000 women who were not diagnosed with depression, but whose diets ranged from healthy to unhealthy.
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According to the findings, women who consumed soft drinks, red meat, and refined grains including pasta, white bread, and chips on a daily basis had 29 to 41 percent greater chance of experiencing depression than those women with a healthier diet, reported MSN.
Furthermore, women who regularly ate the aforementioned foods also had higher chances of having three biomarkers of inflammation.
It comes as no surprise that an unhealthy diet could affect your mood, and more and more people are opting for organic and even gluten-free options today.
In fact, fast food restaurants such as Dunkin Donuts have been forced to accommodate today's changing diet needs by offering gluten-free baked goods.
Celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine due to a reaction to gluten, is affecting more people than ever. With celiac disease on the rise, food vendors have made drastic changes to their menus, and Dunkin Donuts is no exception.
"At Dunkin' Donuts, we recognize the importance of providing our guests with many options, including alternative choices for those with dietary restrictions," said director of global public relations Michelle King in an email, according to Boston.com.
Additionally, customers are demanding organic and "natural" products, and Dunkin Donuts is not the only chain to revamp their menu accordingly.
McDonald's recently expanded their food offerings to include healthier choices in order to meet today's trends, adding items such as salads, wraps and smoothies.
