Vegans and Vegetarians depressed twice more than Meat-Eaters

Vegetarianism and its extended form – veganism gained considerable momentum in the west way back in the 60s and 70s. Ever since it hasn’t looked back with more converts getting added to an already surging population. 

 

For the uninitiated, foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and non-meat animal products such as dairy foods, eggs or honey form a regular vegetarian diet. Based on food eating habits, vegetarians are further divided into categories such as ovo-vegetarians, lacto vegetarians and vegans. Vegans abstain from the consumption of any animal product like honey, dairy, and eggs, as well as food items that may have substances obtained from animals.*

 

Of late, new studies conducted to review the impact of veganism and vegetarianism have thrown light on some startling facts. One area receiving consistent focus is the impact on mental well-being, in particular depression.

 

As Per a study, a plant-based diet lacked some of the key nutrients responsible for brain function such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) and Vitamin B12, thereby increasing the risk of mental disorders like depression.

 

In the Journal of Affective Disorders, Brazilian researchers have stated, “……….positive association between the prevalence of depressive episodes and a meatless diet.” It found that despite considering common habits of drinking, smoking and other dietary patterns, bouts of depression were found to be higher among vegetarians.

 

One of the most prominent reasons behind it could be the evolution of packaged foods abounding in sugar, salt and refined vegetable oil, into this category according to Nutritional psychiatry researcher Megan Lee. She has mentioned, “People may be consuming high levels of processed plant foods which is a known risk factor for increased depression.”

 

There is another school of thought that believes the isolation of vegans and vegetarians due to their dietary choices as well as their increased awareness of issues such as animal welfare and the environment makes them more prone to bouts of depression.

 

Though the studies are by and large inconclusive about the actual impact of nutritional deficiencies as the major cause of mental illnesses.

 

The relation of certain types of food with our mood is known. Dark chocolate, rich in caffeine and theobromine, improves the blood flow in the brain.

 

People who displayed major depressive symptoms, after having a protein-rich, low-fat dairy, whole-grain, fruits and vegetables were found more successful in beating the illness back than a crowd that preferred ultra-processed foods, according to research done in 2017. A 2019 study discovered a link between a Mediterranean diet and lessened depression primarily on account of seafood that provided rich fish oil.

 

Hence, animal protein consumption may make people happier, but at the same time, the benefits of a vegetarian diet for a healthy heart remain unrefuted.