Following a plant-based diet is healthy, if done properly. Here the quality of your diet plays a significant role. According to a recent small Australian study, low-quality plant-based diets (vegan or vegetarian) can lead to depression.

As vegans and vegetarians are already more vulnerable to depression, the study aimed to understand whether diet quality had any influence on that. The researchers investigated information on diet quality and mental health of 219 vegans and vegetarians aged 18–44 and found that those with diets high in fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains had a lower risk of depression compared to vegans and vegetarians with low quality diets and high amounts of processed food.

The researchers assume that the protective effect of a high-quality plant-based diet is due to the presence of complex carbohydrates, fiber, probiotics and antioxidants which all decrease symptoms of depression. On the other hand, many of the ‘easy-to-go’ vegan or vegetarian products are high in refined vegetable oils, refined grains, salt and sugar. And this is a well-known risk for depression.

Another interesting finding of the study was that switching to a high-quality plant-based diet didn’t help those, who already was depressed.

So mind the quality of your food and stay healthy!

Curious? HERE is the source