Do you crave sugary drinks? Study reveals its connection with depression

The study examined the consumption of sugary sodas, diet drinks, fruit juices, coffee, milk, and tea, using data from 188,355 adults aged 37 to 73. (Image: Canva)

Could your drink of choice be influencing your mental health? A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that sugary drinks and beverages containing artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of depression, particularly among younger adults. In contrast, drinks like coffee and fruit juices seem to be linked to a lower risk of depression.

The hidden link

The research, conducted by scientists at Wenzhou Medical University in China, aimed to explore how different beverages impact mental health. While earlier studies have highlighted the broader relationship between diet and mental well-being, this study specifically focused on the effects of various drinks.

Given the rising global concerns about mental health, understanding how daily beverages might contribute to mental health issues has become increasingly important. The study examined the consumption of sugary sodas, diet drinks, fruit juices, coffee, milk, and tea, using data from 188,355 adults aged 37 to 73.

The researchers analysed 11 years’ worth of medical and hospital records, excluding participants who had been previously diagnosed with depression or anxiety. The study took into account various lifestyle, dietary, and health factors that could influence mental health, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sleep patterns, body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overall diet quality.

Also read | Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder: Decoding myths and facts around mental health

Given the rising global concerns about mental health, understanding how daily beverages might contribute to mental health issues has become increasingly important. (Image: Canva)

Findings of the study

One of the key findings was that people under 60 who consumed more than one serving of sugar-sweetened beverages per day faced a 14 percent higher risk of developing depression. Those who drank more than one serving of artificially sweetened drinks daily had an even higher risk, with a 23 percent increase. Conversely, participants who consumed more than one serving of pure fruit or vegetable juice each day saw a 19 percent lower risk of depression.

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This study highlights a significant link between our beverage choices and mental health, emphasising the potential benefits of mindful drinking for mental well-being.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.