Depression

Disease

Foods That May Help

Foods linked to Depression in the research literature.

SaffronImproves
as little as 30mg (1 pinch) daily
11 RCTs: saffron benefits mild to moderate depression significantly better than placebo | Half dozen studies found saffron beat placebo or rivaled medications like Prozac for depression
Source: How Not to Age
SaffronReduces risk of
In a head-to-head trial against Prozac for clinical depression, both the spice and the drug worked equally well in reducing depression symptoms
Source: How Not to Die
CoffeeReduces risk of
2+ cups/day
People who drank two or more cups of coffee daily appeared to have about only half the suicide risk compared to non-coffee drinkers; People who drank two or more cups of coffee daily appeared to have about half the suicide risk compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Source: How Not to Die
TomatoesReduces risk of
daily
People who ate tomatoes or tomato products daily had just half the odds of depression compared to those who ate them once a week or less; People who ate tomatoes or tomato products daily had just half the odds of depression compared with those who ate them once a week or less.
Source: How Not to Die
Sesame SeedsProtects against
Til laddu (sesame with jaggery) shows antioxidant and antidepressant properties; mitigates effects of anxiety, nerve and bone disorders
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Extra-Virgin Olive OilProtects against
Extra virgin olive oil can be considered as an antidepressant and tranquilizer, affecting the monoaminergic and endocanabioid systems
Source: Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity

Compounds That May Help

Bioactive compounds linked to Depression in the research.

CrocinImproves
Equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon saffron/day
At dose equivalent to half teaspoon saffron/day, beat placebo as adjunct treatment for depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress
Source: How Not to Age
FolateReduces risk of
Low dietary folate intake may increase the risk of severe depression by as much as threefold
Source: How Not to Die
LycopeneProtects against
Among the carotenoids, lycopene (the red pigment in tomatoes) has the highest antioxidant activity and is associated with reduced depression odds.
Source: How Not to Die
FolateProtects against
Low dietary folate intake may increase the risk of severe depression by as much as threefold. Folate supplements (folic acid) do not appear to help.
Source: How Not to Die
Vitamin D3Protects against
Source: Young Forever

Risk Factors

Foods and compounds that may contribute to Depression.

Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic acid found in animal products can adversely impact mental health via a cascade of neuroinflammation; Arachidonic acid may adversely impact mental health via a cascade of neuroinflammation. People with higher levels of arachidonic acid in their blood may end up at significantly higher risk of suicide and episodes of major depression.
Source: How Not to Die
Aspartame
After only eight days on the higher-aspartame dose, participants exhibited more depression and irritability and performed worse on brain function tests; After only eight days on a higher-aspartame dose, participants exhibited more depression and irritability and performed worse on certain brain function tests.
Source: How Not to Die
Nutmeg
Nutmeg can cause intoxication and psychotropic effects at high doses; should be used sparingly (Payne 1963; Williams & West 1968)
Source: How Not to Die

Sources

How Not to Age
How Not to Die
Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity
Young Forever

Depression

Foods That May Help

Compounds That May Help

Risk Factors

Recipes That May Help

Sources