Local research has found a link between an increased risk of depression and eating ultra-processed food.
The findings from Deakin University showed the risk jumped among people whose diet had more than 30 per cent of ultra-processed food.
That includes junk and fast food, diet soft drink, some fruit juices and flavoured yoghurts.
Dr Melissa Lane from Deakin’s Mood and Food Centre said it provided further evidence of the harm of diets with cheap and well-marketed food, but were often poor of nutrients.
“While Australians eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, the link with depression has never been assessed in a group of Australians until now,” Dr Lane said.
“Even after accounting for factors like smoking and lower education, income and physical activity, which are linked to poor health outcomes, the findings show greater consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with a higher risk of depression.
“We hope this study will contribute to the promotion of mental well-being and guide efforts to prevent or reduce the prevalence, development and symptom severity of depression within the community.”
Picture: File image [Ollivves/Pixabay]