The Association of Legume Consumption and Psychological Health among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Independent association between legume intake and psychological disorders is not well documented. This study was carried out to examine legume consumption in relation todepression, anxiety, and stress in women in Tehran city of Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, 458 women aged 20-50 years who referred to the health centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. The usual dietary intake in the past year was evaluated using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. Legume intake was calculated by summing up the consumption of lentils, peas, chickpeas, and different kinds of beans including broad beans and chickling vetch. Psychological disorders were assessed using a validated depression, anxiety, stress scales questionnaires with 21items. In the logistic regression analysis, the results were adjusted to the confounding factors.

The mean age of the study participants was 31.85 ± 7.67 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and psychological distress among study participants was 34.6%, 40.6%, and 42.4%, respectively. After adjustment of the confounding variables, legume consumption had no significant association with depression (P = 0.72), anxiety (P = 0.17), and stress (P = 0.89). However, a significant association was found between moderate legume consumption and depression (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30–0.90; P = 0.01).

Higher legume consumption has no significant relationship with depression, anxiety, and anxiety in women. However, a significant association was observed between moderate legume consumption and depression. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.