A  review of 41 studies published within the last eight years suggests that consuming a Mediterranean diet – largely plant-based, with fruit, grains, vegetables and fish – may help prevent depression. The findings were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, with the research carried out by Dr Camille Lasalle and colleagues at University College London.  plant-based diet of fruit, veg, grains, fish, nuts and olive oil – but not too much meat or dairy – appeared to have benefits in terms of mood.

Said Dr Lasalle, “There is compelling evidence to show that there is a relationship between the quality of your diet and your mental health.

“There is also emerging evidence that shows that the relationship between the gut and brain plays a key role in mental health and that this axis is modulated by gastrointestinal bacteria, which can be modified by our diet.”

Other experts have called for more research, Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, recommended “a heavy dose of caution” when speaking to the BBC.

“Whilst eating healthier is good for many reasons, we need more evidence before we can say plant-rich diets can improve mental health,” he said.

“The only way to prove whether the links are genuine is to conduct large randomised trials in people at risk of depression. Such trials would take considerable effort but seem worthwhile to conduct.”

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