develop depression than people in the group that did not follow the diet closely. Conversely, the researchers found that the more closely people followed a Western diet the more likely they were to develop depression.
The bottom line. More research is needed to confirm these results and to determine the best nutritional components of the DASH diet to prevent depression. However, while the jury is still out on whether or not DASH can prevent depression, there are many other good reasons to follow the DASH diet.
US News & World Report recently ranked DASH one of the best diets for diabetes. DASH is also one of several meal patterns identified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as having good results in helping to manage diabetes.
And there is a large body of scientific evidence showing that the DASH diet can lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol—often referred to as bad cholesterol, and help with weight loss. DASH can also contribute to the prevention and control of diabetes. Click here to learn more about the DASH eating plan and get tips on how you can ease into the DASH-style of eating.
Remember, depression and diabetes distress are treatable. Click here for more information on depression and here to learn more about diabetes distress.
Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, a convenient guide to help people with diabetes enjoy all the flavors of the world while still following a healthy meal plan. Follow Constance on social media @eatingsoulfully