#Foodandmood

Recent research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has shed new light on the impact of low-carbohydrate diets on depression, revealing that not all low-carb approaches are created equal when it comes to mental health. The study found that adults who adhered to low-carb diets rich in plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and minimal refined carbohydrates were significantly less likely to report symptoms of depression. However, low-carb diets heavy in animal proteins and saturated fats did not confer the same mental health benefits, underlining the critical importance of diet quality — not just macronutrient ratios — for psychological well-being (PsyPost).

A large recent study highlights that how you compose a low-carbohydrate eating pattern matters more than simply cutting carbs. In the Journal of Psychiatric Research, researchers found that adults following a low-carb pattern rich in plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and limited refined carbs reported fewer depression symptoms. In contrast, low-carb diets dominated by red meat and saturated fats did not show the same mental health benefit. The message is clear: diet quality drives mood as much as macronutrient ratios.