To prevent depression in old age on August 6th (Tuesday), eat plenty of fruits during middle age!

A study has shown that consuming fruit in middle age helps prevent depression in old age.

A study involving 13,738 people aged 7 to 51 examined the impact of fruit consumption on health in old age. First, the participants completed a questionnaire about how often they consumed 14 types of fruits and 25 types of vegetables daily. Then, between 2014 and 2016, when the participants' average age was 73, their depressive symptoms were quantified using the 'Geriatric Depression Scale,' one of the standard methods for diagnosing depression in the elderly.

According to the research findings, people who consumed a lot of fruit in middle age were less likely to experience symptoms of depression in old age compared to those who did not. Those who ate at least three plates of fruit per day had at least a 21% lower risk of age-related depression than those who consumed less than one plate of fruit per day. In contrast, vegetable intake was not associated with a reduction in the likelihood of depression. The research team explained that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in fruits, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, may help prevent depression.

Source: D Health Chosun