Researchers at the University of Michigan tested whether making healthy meals more convenient could reduce symptoms of depression. Participants followed a two-week minimally processed meal plan. One group prepared the meals themselves with guidance; the other group received prepared minimally processed meals via a commercial delivery service.
Both groups improved diet quality, but the meal-delivery group showed larger reductions in depressive symptoms. Many participants were already receiving therapy, medication, or both, yet they still had depressive symptoms.
Lead investigator Ashley Gearhardt and the team say nutrition could be an additional tool alongside therapy and medication, not a replacement. They also note questions about food access and the common reliance on ultraprocessed foods. The research appears in Scientific Reports.
Difficult words
- researcher — a person who studies a subject scientificallyResearchers
- convenient — easy to do or use; saves people time
- minimally processed — food with little industrial processing or additives
- delivery service — company that brings items to customers' homes
- diet quality — how healthy and balanced a person's eating is
- depressive symptom — a sign or feeling of clinical depressiondepressive symptoms
- therapy — professional treatment to help mental health problems
- ultraprocessed — food that is industrially made with many additives
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer prepared meal delivery or preparing meals yourself? Why?
- How could easier access to healthy food affect someone’s mood or mental health?
- What barriers might people have to eating minimally processed meals where you live?
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