Kick your junk food habit to beat depression

Wieder, Frank

That fried chicken might be dragging you down, say researchers in Spain. They found that people who eat a lot of fast food and junk food are 37 percent more likely to develop depression than those who rarely order off the value menu. In fact, after reviewing the eating habits of over 8,900 people with no history of mental illness, researchers also noted the risk of depression increases with the amount of junk food consumed.

Bottom line: Limit processed fast foods as much as possible — it will help your mental health. What are the best good-mood foods? Try the Mediterranean approach: lots of whole grains, oily fish, fruits and vegetables.