It starts the day right.
A recent study suggests that both the timing and content of meals may influence mental health, particularly in individuals with heart disease.
Researchers in China found that heart disease patients who consumed a larger, calorie-dense breakfast were less likely to experience depression. The study, led by Hongquan Xie from Harbin Medical University, noted that people with heart disease have a higher risk of developing depression compared to the general population, and that diet plays a significant role in this. The findings were published in BMC Medicine.
The researchers explained that the timing of food intake can impact circadian rhythms and metabolism, both of which are linked to mental health. Disruptions in these rhythms may contribute to depression. Given that heart disease patients are already at a higher risk for depression, the study aimed to explore the relationship between meal timing and mental well-being.
Using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2018), the study analyzed dietary patterns of nearly 32,000 Americans, including about 3,500 heart disease patients. The results revealed that those who consumed the most calories at breakfast (791 calories on average) were 30% less likely to develop depression compared to those with minimal breakfast intake (88 calories on average). Shifting even a small percentage of calories from later meals to breakfast was also associated with a slight reduction in depression risk.
Interestingly, the type of nutrients consumed, such as protein or carbohydrates, was not found to have a significant impact on depression risk. The study concluded that when food is eaten is just as important as what is eaten, and aligning meal timing with the body’s natural rhythms may help lower depression risk.
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