The rate of depressive symptoms was lower among working-age people who consume a Japanese-style diet including rice, miso soup and fish, the first study of its kind recently showed.
The Japan Institute for Health Security assessed the benefits of a traditional “Japanese-style diet” comprising soy products, cooked vegetables, mushrooms, fish, seaweed, and green tea, along with a modified version that added fruit, fresh vegetables and dairy products.
While there are few studies on the Japanese diet’s impact on mental health, such assessments of the Mediterranean diet – which consists of vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish – and depression have previously been conducted, the institute said.
“Further research is required, but we hope the evidence shown among Japanese people can be used for public health measures in workplaces and areas concerning the prevention of depression,” it said in a press release.
Two women wait for an early morning meal at one of the many small seafood restaurants at the Tsukiji fish market. Photo: AFP
The self-reported study was conducted among 12,499 employees from five companies, of whom 88 per cent were male with an average age of 42.5 years.
AloJapan.com