Plant-based diet lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, improves blood sugar, decreases risk of cancer and improves weight loss.

Major depression impacts approximately 14.8 million adults in the United States.  With winter upon us, many people begin to struggle with seasonal affective disorder.  If you desire to fight the winter blues, consider the plant based diet.

A large study consisting of 15,093 people found that a diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts prevents the onset of depression, suggesting that depression could be linked to a nutrient deficiency.

Large study compares three diets and found that a diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts prevents the onset of depression!

Researchers compared the Mediterranean Diet, the Pro-vegetarian diet, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010.

Food items such as meat and sweets (sources of animal fats: saturated and trans fatty acids) were negatively scored, while nuts, fruits and vegetables (sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals respectively) were positively scored.

The study found that the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 was associated with the greatest risk reduction for depression.  The diet consists of omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and moderate alcohol intake.

Fight the winter blues with a healthy diet, exercise, sunlight and counseling!

If you have a history of depression or combat the winter blues, consider altering your lifestyle by eating a plant-based diet.  While this may not cure depression for everyone, it will improve your health and energy.  In addition to dietary changes, regular exercise, exposure to sunshine and counseling can be helpful in terms of reversing depression.  Exercise will help normalize insulin levels and boost “feel good” hormones.  Sunshine boosts the body’s D vitamins, which improve mood.  Counseling can help you sort through emotional stressors, organize them and problem solve.