Research finds that your breakfast time could impact depression risk
Eating breakfast before 9am could help lower the risk of depression, according to new research.
Scientists from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in China found that those who ate their morning meal after 9am were 28 percent more likely to experience depression and lower moods.
The findings are based on an 11-year study that tracked the breakfast habits of 24,000 adults, offering fresh insight into how meal timing might play a role in mental health, SurreyLive reports.
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Researchers published their findings in The Journal of Affective Disorders, with the Mail reporting that eating earlier in the morning may also lower the chances of being diagnosed with depression.
This isn’t the first time experts have explored the link between diet and mental health. While timing appears to play a role, other studies suggest that what people eat could also have a significant impact on their mood and overall well-being.
Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore have also explored the link between diet and mental health, suggesting that eating fruit three times a day could lower the risk of depression by 21 percent.
Like the first study, this research spanned a long period, 20 years, and involved 13,000 participants. Scientists believe fruit’s impact on mental health may be due to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which help reduce oxidative stress.
In a statement following the publication of the data, principal investigator Professor Koh Woon Puay said: “Our study underscores the importance of fruit consumption as a preventive measure against ageing-related depression.
“In our study population, participants who had at least three servings of fruit a day, compared to those with less than one serving a day, were able to reduce the likelihood of ageing-related depression significantly by at least 21 percent.
“This can be achieved by eating one to two servings of fruits after every meal. We did not see any difference in our results between fruits with high and low glycemic index.
“Hence, for those with diabetes, they can choose fruits with low glycemic index that will not raise blood sugars as much as those with high index.”
While some studies have examined the effects of fruit groups on mental health, others have focused on individual fruits. Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand conducted a study highlighting how kiwi fruit, in particular, could have mood-boosting benefits.
Professor Tamliln Conner, from the university’s department of psychology, explained: “It’s great for people to know that small changes in their diet, like adding kiwi fruit, could make a difference in how they feel every day.”
Lead author of the study Dr Ben Fletcher added: “This helps us see that what we eat can have a relatively fast impact on how we feel. Our participants had relatively good mental health to begin with so had little room for improvement, but still reported the benefits of kiwifruit or vitamin C interventions.
“We encourage a holistic approach to nutrition and well-being, incorporating various nutrient-rich foods into your diet.”
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