What we eat has important effects on our physiology. Should you follow a low-carb or a low-fat diet? The controversy is ongoing. While many nutrition experts maintain firmly that all calories are equal, others claim that easily digested carbohydrates can boost blood sugar quickly and trigger an exaggerated insulin response in some people.
Weight control, metabolism and liver health may all be significantly affected by this glycemic response, although at least one study showed no impact on blood pressure.
It turns out that diet can also have a significant impact on mood. Research suggests that the quantity and quality of carbohydrates changes how we feel.
Glycemic Index Affects Emotional Health
The Women’s Health Initiative followed almost 70,000 women over three years. The women answered questions about what they ate and their emotional state.
Refined Carbs Linked to Depression
Those who consumed the most refined carbohydrate products such as cookies, cakes, pasta, bread, crackers and soft drinks were most susceptible to developing depression. These foods make blood sugar rise rapidly and are considered high glycemic index or GI foods.
Eating for a Healthier Outlook
Those who ate more vegetables, whole grains and whole fruits were less likely to become depressed. The investigators concluded that: “The results from this study suggest that high-GI [glycemic index] diets could be a risk factor for depression in postmenopausal women.”
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Aug., 2015
If you need ideas about how to eat more vegetables and whole grains to lower the glycemic index of your own diet, you may be interested in our book, Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy. In addition to some of our own favorites, you’ll find delicious recipes from some of the country’s leading nutrition scientists who have been guests on The People’s Pharmacy radio show.
