A newly published study  says inflammation linked to diet may contribute to clinical depression in women.

Researchers followed 43,000 women who started off without depression over a period of 12 years and found that those with diets linked to inflammation were 29 to 41 percent more likely to suffer some form of depression by the end of the study.

The specific diet triggers were soft drinks, fatty red meat and refined grains such as pasta, white bread and chips.

> More Popular and trending stories

Dr. Michael Lucas, a Harvard researcher who co-authored the study, said the causes of mood disorders are hard to pinpoint. He said it's not clear how inflammation affects mental health, but there does appear to be a link.

Food choices that help keep inflammation down include olive oil, coffee, wine, carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens, Lucas said.

More Popular Headlines

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC