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Over the course of history, there have been many explanations for mental disorders, especially depression. Superstitious theories linked depression to disfavor from gods, for instance. In addition, there have been a wide variety of treatments, from herbal remedies to electroshock and, in more modern years, the prescription of antidepressants.

Even with its long history of exploration and explanation, depression remains common and largely misunderstood. Annually there are 17 million people in the United States that are diagnosed with the disease, and experts know that there are many more who suffer without ever seeking medical help.

Some believe that there may be a connection between the food we eat and our mental health. Processed food, in particular, may draw increased attention as researchers try to determine how food might be affecting levels of depression in Americans. Some experts believe that whole foods are essential to providing the human body with the nutrients it needs to sustain good mental health. An article posted on Eat Drink Better discusses the research that backs up this theory.

A study conducted at the University of Melbourne, located in Australia, shows that there may be support for favoring whole foods over processed ones. The study found that women whose diets were focused on eating fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein and whole grains experienced improved mental health. The women were 30 percent less likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety when compared to women who ate a diet rooted in processed foods.

The same study found that for women who ate a Western diet that consisted largely of processed foods, they were 50 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression.

A study conducted in Great Britain produced findings consistent with those in the Australian study. An examination of 5,000 middle-aged office workers in the UK found that there was a connection between diet and mental health. The workers who consumed a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein and also limited the amount of meat and dairy consumed were less likely to report symptoms of depression. Those who consumed a lot of junk food were more likely to experience depression.

The same study also found a connection between the Mediterranean diet and rates of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The findings from these two studies may aid those who are working to encourage making healthy foods more available for lower prices. Many different sources have shown that processed food is cheaper than whole foods, which may make promoting good physical and mental health difficult for some populations.