Food rich with trans and saturated fats contributes to depression

Eating food containing trans fats and saturated fats could contribute to depression, scientists reported.

Researchers in Spain followed 12,059 people over six years, analyzing their diets, lifestyles and medical problems. The people who ate the most trans fats, which are commonly found in pastries and fast food, had a 48% increased risk of depression compared with people who did not eat trans fats, according to Los Angeles Times.

Trans-fats are modified vegetable fats used to extend the shelf life of food products such as fast foods, pastries, cakes and biscuits. Previous studies have clearly shown these fats to be linked to elevated levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and have also strongly established their association with the risk of heart disease.

However, good news also comes from the new research. According to Villegas, eating a heart-healthy diet that includes olive oil can lower the risk of depression. Findings of the study showed that the consumption of polyunsaturated fats such as those found in fish and olive oil was found to be linked to a significant reduction in the risk for depression, HealthNews reports.