Low-calorie diets linked to surprising mental health effect, new research shows

Low-calorie diets linked to surprising mental health effect, new research shows

Study finds association between restrictive diets and depressive symptoms, but experts cite limitations

A new study found that calorie-restrictive eating can lead to depressive symptoms. (iStock)

Men showed higher scores for depressive symptoms than women, the study found. (iStock)

Cutting out some high-fat foods like avocado and olive oil is also eliminating nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, a nutritionist cautioned. (iStock)

"Food has the power to help us or harm us, and if we’re not eating certain foods known to promote mental well-being, we will definitely suffer from cognitive impairment and unstable mood." (iStock)