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Scientists have been exploring how animal and plant proteins affect mental health. Here's what they found so far. 

Recent research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders sheds light on the influence of protein consumption on mental health, examining whether animal proteins outshine plant proteins in mitigating the risk of depression.

While family history and environmental stressors have long been recognized as major risk factors for depression, emerging studies highlight the significant impact of diet on mental well-being.

Researchers analyzed data from 23,313 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey spanning from 2007 to 2016.

Macronutrient intake was assessed across different meals, including all-day, dinner and breakfast, and categorized into four classes.

Depression, defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or higher, was used as the outcome measure.

Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to estimate the correlation between macronutrients and depression prevalence, considering isocaloric substitution effects.

Despite a wealth of research on the subject, the findings remain somewhat perplexing and contradictory according to Gary L. Wenk, Ph. D., a professor of psychology, neuroscience, molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics at the Ohio State University.

"During the past few years, the effects of diet on depression have attracted considerable attention. Unfortunately, the information available on this topic is confusing and seemingly contradictory," Wenk wrote in an article titled "What You Should Be Feeding Your Depressed Brain" in Psychology Today.

While some studies advocate for the protective role of carbohydrates in lowering depression risk, others suggest that carbohydrate consumption may actually elevate the risk.

Notably, protein consumption emerges as a key player in mental health, with evidence suggesting a negative correlation between protein intake and depression risk.

People abstaining from animal meat reportedly face a higher risk of depression and anxiety. While certain plant proteins may offer some relief from anxiety and depressive symptoms, they are generally deemed less effective than their animal-derived counterparts.

Moreover, specific dietary components such as omega-3 fatty acids, fruit and vegetable intake, dietary fiber and fish consumption have been linked to reduced depression risk.

The timing of meals also appears to wield influence, with recent studies highlighting the impact of meal timing on mental health. A recent investigation delved into the effects of meal content and timing on depression and anxiety risk.

Study findings revealed a dose-dependent association between increased consumption of low-quality carbohydrates, such as added sugars, and elevated depression risk. Conversely, consumption of high-quality proteins-including unprocessed red meat, poultry, dairy, and nuts-was linked to a decreased risk of depression.

"A decreased risk of depression was linked to the consumption of high-quality proteins, such as unprocessed red meat, poultry, dairy, and nuts," Wenk stated.

Moreover, the timing of protein and carbohydrate consumption played a pivotal role, with dinner consumption associated with a reduced risk of depression compared to breakfast consumption.

High-quality carbohydrates, including fruits, whole grains, and red vegetables rich in anthocyanins and carotenoids, exhibited a protective effect against depression.

"The study had three main conclusions: people who do not eat meat have a higher incidence or risk of anxiety and depression; low-quality carbohydrates were positively, and dose-dependently, associated with increased risk of depression; and consuming high-quality proteins and carbohydrates, especially at dinner, was associated with a reduced risk of depression," Wenk said.