Eating a handful of nuts a day associated with 17pc lower risk of depression, according to scientists

Consuming nuts may lower risk of depression, scientists say (Victoria Jones/PA)

Nilima Marshall

Eating a handful of nuts every day is associated with a 17pc lower risk of depression, scientists have said.

Data gathered from the UK Biobank, an online database of medical and lifestyle records of around 500,000 people, suggests middle-aged and older adults who consumed a daily 30g serving of nuts – including walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios – were less likely to report taking antidepressants or getting diagnosed with depression.