Eat that passes you: the Mediterranean diet improves depression and heart in over 70s

We do not know if the chicken or the egg is born first. There depression it certainly can increase cardiovascular risk. But on the other hand, there are researches that show that those who deal with high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle, not to mention smoking, tend more easily to encounter a dark mood. But now research shows that in old age, especially in women, those with cardiovascular risk factors would be more exposed to the dangers of developing depression. But it also offers an alternative to contrast the “fil rouge” that links the two pathologies: at the table, it is advisable to follow the dictates of the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fish and extra virgin olive oil, to improve the danger profile for heart and arteries and also have a positive effect on mood. To launch this hypothesis is a research published on Plos ONEcoordinated by Sandra Martin-Pelaez of the University of Granada.

Keep an eye on the table

The working hypothesis is simple: both in conditions that endanger the heart and arteries and in depression there are elements in common, starting from inflammation to reach oxidative stress. So, paying attention to the table (and obviously trying to maintain healthy habits of life in general), one can try to break the bond that unites the two conditions within the organism.

The study examined information from research that examined the impact of the Mediterranean diet on men aged 55 to 75 and women aged 60 to 75 with overweight or obesity. In total, more than 6500 people were considered who, at the first survey, did not have cardiovascular or hormonal diseases. Then we proceeded to define the cardiovascular risk, using a score that allowed to frame the cardiovascular risk in low, medium or high / very high.

Check after 2 years

Also at the time of enrollment in the study, the presence of a possible state of depression was assessed, then re-checked after two years of observation. The close relationship between “enemies” of cardiovascular health and depression was immediately clear among women: those who were in the group at greatest risk for heart and vessels, in fact, were more likely to have signs of depression. The common “treatment” for these conditions, in both sexes, developed through a diet according to the rules of the Mediterranean diet for two years. At the end of this period, thanks to this change in diet, the participants improved their mood. But above all, the depressive state improved more in those in high cardiovascular risk groups, especially among those with higher cholesterol levels. The benefits, according to the study, are particularly significant for women, but in general all the third age if the cardiovascular risk is high appears associated with symptoms related to depression.

“The Mediterranean diet is a dietary model based on the daily consumption of a large variety of vegetables and fresh fruit rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, unrefined whole grains, extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat, moderate consumption of dried fruit (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), fish, fresh dairy products (yogurt and cheeses) and wine (with meals only) and reduced consumption of red meat, all associated with modest calorie restriction and an active lifestyle – explains Cecilia Invitti, head of the Lifestyle Medicine Service of the Italian Auxological Institute. The benefits obtained on the cardiovascular risk profile, aging and depression are due to the two pillars of this dietary model. First of all, the favorable effects of the diet on blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, overweight, lipid profile, oxidative stress (implicated in the pathogenesis of tumors and dementias as well as cardiovascular diseases), composition of the intestinal microbiota, whose metabolites modulate both the chronic inflammatory state underlying cardio-metabolic and autoimmune diseases and the mood. In addition, the active lifestyle that accompanies a healthy diet and in itself has proven antidepressant, anti-aging and protective effects on the cardiovascular system and on some cancers. “In short: constant adherence to the Mediterranean diet can help reduce cardiovascular risk and it smooths the development of cardio-metabolic pathologies even in individuals who are genetically susceptible to it, helping to improve the gloomy mood.