Christmas parties are known to be a special and happy time for family sharing. And in this context, excesses are not uncommon:alcohol, food, etc. However, according to a study, consuming too much sugar during this period would promote depression during the winter season.
Research published in the journal Medical Hypotheses in 2020 explains that excessive sugar consumption during Christmas meal(s) increases the risk of depression during the winter . Chocolates, log, candies, candied chestnuts, etc., the main thing is not to consume too much according to the team from the Department of Psychology at the University of Kansas (United States). Besides a probable weight gain due to excess sugar, this kind of excess actually adds to other physical causes of depression during the winter period, such as reducing exposure to the sun.
According to the study authors, "winter seasonal depression" affects 30% of people in the United States. During this period, they crave carbohydrates more and the Christmas holidays fall practically at the beginning of winter. Obviously, this timing is very far from ideal. However, this excessive consumption favors the triggering of metabolic, inflammatory, but also neurobiological processes associated with seasonal depression.
You should also know that when you eat sweets, they act like a drug. Unsurprisingly, the American Heart Association recommends not to exceed 25g of added sugars daily. Moreover, these same added sugars can in the long term deteriorate mood, affect well-being and increase inflammation. These tips are therefore not to be followed especially during the holidays, but during everyday life .
The ideal would be to remember to eat foods rich in omega 3, most often fish. Fatty and small fish such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel are the most interesting. Omega 3 would indeed promote good communication between neurons and protect the brain. Foods rich in iron (red meat, shellfish, lentils) as well as good hydration also allow this. A 2017 study also confirmed a reduction in outbursts of aggression in case of regular consumption of omega 3.
