The trick is done by by reducing inflammation in the body, according to new research. A pro-inflammatory diet can induce systemic inflammation, and this can directly increase the risk for depression, while plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish and plant-based foods are the key to a 33 per cent smaller chance of suffering from the mental condition.

Scientists at University College London said the research shows the link between the gut and mental health. Apparently the role of inflammation is far more significant than previously understood.

The review of data from 41 previous studies involving tens of thousands of participants highlighted that people who most closely adhered to a Mediterranean diet had a third lower risk of developing depression over the next eight to 12 years compared to the control group.

Analysis focusing on saturated fat, sugar and processed food also showed that a diet low in these factors was linked to a 24 per cent reduced risk of developing depression within five to 12 years.

The study is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.