"A couple of years ago - said Giovanni Scapagnini, clinical biochemist from the University of Molise - the Sun Spanish study, conducted by the University of Navarra, has shown that adherence to Mediterranean diet and proper intake of antioxidant nutrients play a beneficial role against the onset of depressive disorders in the healthy population. " There is also an important work developed within the InCHIANTI study, conducted in Tuscany in a population of about 1000 elderly, who showed that the low dietary intake of carotenoids and a low blood level of these substances is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing depression. "Until now - continues Scapagnini, working Aiip Observatory (Association of Italian food industries - Area food supplements) - studying the scientific basis of this theory have focused on the ability of certain foods to modulate the release and synthesis of neurotransmitters responsible for mood, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In Paris, therefore, nutrigenomics and food were the focus of attention. Recalling elements already being studied for other diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, as reported in the book "Towards Vegetarianism" (Giunti publishers) that anticipates the prevention studies at the table of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. So even cellular inflammation can be prevented and fought at the table. With fruit and vegetables, Mediterranean menu key, increasingly the focus of scientific evidence.
