Fish is well known for its health properties, especially due to its high content in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading physician and health expert, “Eating healthy fats such as animal-based omega-3 fats or the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) tends to reduce inflammation.”
New research from Europe now shows that eating fish helps reduce depression.
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, depression, or major depressive disorder “affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year.”
The research team pooled data on studies from 2001 to 2014 highlighting the effects of fish consumption on depression.
After combining all the data, the researchers found a significant 17 percent reduction of depression in those who ate fish compared to those who didn’t.
When the team looked at the statistics from a gender specific point of view, they found that men had a 20 percent lower risk and women had a 16 percent reduction.
As written in the study press release:
“This is an observational study so no definitive conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, added to which fish consumption was measured using different dietary assessment methods across the various studies. But there may be a plausible biological explanation for the link, suggest the researchers. For example, it has been suggested that the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish may alter the microstructure of brain membranes and modify the activity of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, both of which are thought to be involved in depression.”
Also, the healthy proteins, vitamins, and minerals may help curb depression as well.
“Higher fish consumption may be beneficial in the primary prevention of depression,” they conclude, adding: “Future studies are needed to further investigate whether this association varies according to the type of fish.”
The study showing that eating fish helps reduce depression was published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
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Vegetarians who eat fish have lower colon cancer risk.
Eating more fish can increase good cholesterol levels.
Fish with low mercury.
REFERENCES:
1. “Eating a Lot of Fish May Help Curb Depression Risk — at Least in Europe.” EurekAlert! BMJ, 10 Sept. 2015. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
2. “Fish Consumption and Risk of Depression: A Meta-analysis.” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. BMJ, 10 Sept. 2015. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
3. “Depression Statistics.” Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
