Publicação
Efeito da Dieta Mediterrânica na prevenção e controlo da sintomatologia da Depressão
| Resumo: | Background: Mental illnesses portray a major threat to public health, with depression being one of the most prevalent and causing the most disability. Research has shown that there is an association between the type of diet and depression or depressive symptoms. Bearing this in mind, this work aimed to study the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, which is currently considered one of the healthiest eating patterns, on the prevention and control of depression and depressive symptoms.Methods: A narrative review was conducted on the effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the prevention and management of Depression symptoms, consulting the PubMed database using the search equation ("Mediterranean Diet" OR "Diet") AND ("Depression" OR "Mental Health"). Results: It was found that the Mediterranean Diet stands out for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotransmitter regulation properties that impact mental health. Vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and olive oil have been found to reduce the risk and severity of Depression while excessive consumption of red meat, processed foods and high-fat dairy products increase the risk of mental health problems.The studies analyzed revealed that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with lower risk, less severity of Depression and a lower probability of developing depressive symptoms. Investigations carried out in different populations attest to this association and recognize significant benefits in mental and cognitive health and quality of life. However, some studies report mixed or non-significant results, indicating the complexity of the relationship between the Mediterranean Diet and Depression and highlighting the need for further investigation.In broad terms, choosing a balanced diet proved to be crucial for mental health. Nutrient deficiencies, such as proteins, vitamins and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, negatively impact the brain, influencing the occurrence and severity of Depression. Healthy diets such as the Mediterranean Diet, rich in fish, vegetables and whole grains, reduce this risk, while Westernized patterns, rich in processed foods, are associated with a higher incidence of mental problems.Interventions that promote a balanced diet have the potential to prevent and control Depression. Therefore, education about healthy eating, gradual diet adaptation and its monitoring are essential to implement efficient changes, especially when combined with other healthy habits.Conclusion: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a lower risk and severity of Depression, as well as a reduced likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. However, it is important to mention the need for further research to assess the effectiveness of the Mediterranean Diet in the prevention and management of depression across different population groups, as well as to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of the effects of this diet's components. |
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| Autores principais: | Teixeira, Filipa Ermelinda Maia |
| Assunto: | Mediterranean Diet Diet Depression Mental Health Dieta Mediterrânica Dieta Depressão Saúde Mental |
| Ano: | 2024 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade de Coimbra |
| Idioma: | português |
| Origem: | Estudo Geral - Universidade de Coimbra |
| Resumo: | Background: Mental illnesses portray a major threat to public health, with depression being one of the most prevalent and causing the most disability. Research has shown that there is an association between the type of diet and depression or depressive symptoms. Bearing this in mind, this work aimed to study the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, which is currently considered one of the healthiest eating patterns, on the prevention and control of depression and depressive symptoms.Methods: A narrative review was conducted on the effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the prevention and management of Depression symptoms, consulting the PubMed database using the search equation ("Mediterranean Diet" OR "Diet") AND ("Depression" OR "Mental Health"). Results: It was found that the Mediterranean Diet stands out for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotransmitter regulation properties that impact mental health. Vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and olive oil have been found to reduce the risk and severity of Depression while excessive consumption of red meat, processed foods and high-fat dairy products increase the risk of mental health problems.The studies analyzed revealed that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with lower risk, less severity of Depression and a lower probability of developing depressive symptoms. Investigations carried out in different populations attest to this association and recognize significant benefits in mental and cognitive health and quality of life. However, some studies report mixed or non-significant results, indicating the complexity of the relationship between the Mediterranean Diet and Depression and highlighting the need for further investigation.In broad terms, choosing a balanced diet proved to be crucial for mental health. Nutrient deficiencies, such as proteins, vitamins and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, negatively impact the brain, influencing the occurrence and severity of Depression. Healthy diets such as the Mediterranean Diet, rich in fish, vegetables and whole grains, reduce this risk, while Westernized patterns, rich in processed foods, are associated with a higher incidence of mental problems.Interventions that promote a balanced diet have the potential to prevent and control Depression. Therefore, education about healthy eating, gradual diet adaptation and its monitoring are essential to implement efficient changes, especially when combined with other healthy habits.Conclusion: Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a lower risk and severity of Depression, as well as a reduced likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. However, it is important to mention the need for further research to assess the effectiveness of the Mediterranean Diet in the prevention and management of depression across different population groups, as well as to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of the effects of this diet's components. |
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Atividades financiadas
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