Think twice before you indulge in your fast food craving. A new research has found that having a diet which is heavy in processed and fatty food increases the risk of depression. Those who eat such unhealthy foods were found to have a 58 percent higher risk of getting depressed.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University College London. They also found that eating plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish could help prevent the onset of depression.

For the study, the researchers compared one group of participants who had a “whole foods” diet with a second group who usually ate fried food, processed meat, high-fat dairy products and sweetened desserts. They found out that the group who has a “whole food” diet had a 26 percent lower risk of depression than those who ate mainly processed foods. Other factors at play include not smoking and doing physical exercise.

This research strengthens the link between a good diet with well-being, as well as health.

(via AFP)