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White Bread May Lead to Depression

White Bread May Lead to Depression
White Bread May Lead to Depression

White bread and rice could increase the risk of depression in older women. But whole grain foods, roughage and vegetables could cut it.

Hormone changes prompted by refined foods can reduce blood sugar levels and prompt symptoms of depression, says a new study.

The findings, published in ‘The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’, could pave the wave for depression being treated and prevented using nutrition. Around three in every 100 people in the UK suffer from depression.

In a study that included data from more than 70,000 post-menopausal women, scientists found a link between refined carbohydrate consumption and depression, reports The Telegraph. When people consume carbohydrates their blood sugar levels rise to varying degrees.

The glycemic index (GI) scale, of 1-100, measures the amount of sugar found in the blood after eating. The more highly refined the carbohydrate, the higher its score on the GI scale.

Refined foods such as white bread and white rice trigger a hormonal response in the body to reduce blood sugar levels. The response may also cause or exacerbate mood changes, fatigue and other symptoms of depression.

“Further study is needed to examine the potential of this novel option for treatment and prevention.”

Financialtribune.com