Twin study reveals shocking brain differences when one eats healthy and the other doesn’t

In a fascinating study involving twins, researchers have discovered that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can significantly influence mental health. Over 1700 pairs of older twins were observed over an 11-year span, with findings indicating that those consuming fewer fresh foods were more likely to suffer from depression. This remained true even after considering factors such as age, sex, education level, living situation, and BMI.

Dr. Annabel Matison, the lead author of the study, highlighted the potential power of simple nutrition recommendations in combating depression, a condition affecting 21 million Americans. She stated, “The findings present another argument for increasing fruit and vegetable intake in adults over 45 years of age.”

The study’s co-author, Dr. Karen Mather, underlined the value of twin studies in research because it allows the observation of two participants with near-identical DNA simultaneously. She said, “One of the advantages of the twin design is that it can help address the issue of unwanted factors, such as socioeconomic status early in life, influencing the results.”

This research, conducted by scientists from the University of New South Wales, included data from four international twin studies held in the US, Denmark, Australia, and Sweden. The sample size totaled 3,483 study participants who were all above 45 years old at baseline data.

Participants were asked about their daily eating habits and were sorted into groups based on their intake of fruits and vegetables. Researchers also measured their depression symptoms using surveys from each of the four studies.

The results consistently showed a higher intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with better mental health. This held true even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, education, partnership status and BMI.

One possible explanation for these findings is that better nutrition nourishes the whole body and maintains a healthy supply of blood to the brain. Furthermore, fresh food intake can foster a healthy gut microbiome which could have a significant role in mental wellness.

Dr. Matison noted, “The importance of the gut microbiome and its potential influence on depression as a result of inflammation, both systemic and neuroinflammation, is becoming increasingly well understood.” The study’s findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

This groundbreaking research not only highlights the impact of dietary habits on mental health but also underscores the broader implications of nutrition on overall wellness. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is not only beneficial for physical health but also crucial in maintaining mental wellbeing. The findings further reinforce the importance of integrating healthy eating habits into daily routines, particularly among adults over the age of 45.

The study’s findings also emphasize the role of gut health in mental wellness. The gut microbiome, which is significantly influenced by diet, is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor in mental health conditions such as depression. This links back to the concept of ‘food as medicine‘, underscoring how dietary choices can potentially influence various aspects of health, beyond just physical wellbeing.

The use of twins in this research offers a unique perspective. By observing individuals with near-identical DNA, researchers can account for genetic factors and focus more on the effects of lifestyle choices like diet. This approach has been used in various areas of research, from studying intelligence to aging, and now, diet and mental health.

These findings align with a growing body of research indicating that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meat can help ease depression symptoms. Another recent study found that switching to such a diet can ease depression in just three weeks.