A study is suggesting that women are at risk of depression if they cut down on lamb and beef.

The findings came somewhat of a surprise to the researchers because the findings from other studies in the past have found that there is a link between red meat and physical health problems. The study involved 1,000 women from Australia and was conducted by Deakin University, Victoria.

Professor Felice Jacka, the lead researcher said “when we looked at women consuming less than the recommended amount of red meat in our study, we found that they were twice as likely to have a diagnosed depressive or with an anxiety disorder as those as those consuming the recommended amount.” Professor Jacka also believes that the diet of sheep and cattle is a key reason, she said “we know that red meat in Australia is a healthy product as it contains high levels of nutrients. Cattle and sheep are fed on grass, not the grain diet of many other countries.”

The Life Dept adds: c’mon, hands up, who saw that one coming? At least we now know why vegetarians always look so bloody miserable.  Until now I blamed the lentils – you’d have to be a martyr to eat them every day – but now we know its the lack of red meat.  All those people who are a bit sniffy about a Big Mac might have to have a nibble of humble pie – a humble steak pie or better still . . . Scotch pie, yummy.  Here’s a link to scottishrecipies.co.uk to get you salivating.  Anyhow, not that this has much to do with life insurance, critical illness or income protection so let’s get back on track.  Depression is a significant condition for those that are suffering and for those living with sufferers.  In it’s most extreme it can lead to suicide and, alas, life insurance will not be paid for death resulting from suicide.  Nonetheless stress, which can be linked to depression, is one of the two biggest reasons for claims on income protection (the other being back-ache).

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 22 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.