The report asked a cross-section of 138 people in the southwest United States (all Seventh Day Adventists, strangely) to answer questions related to food and mood, and found the meat-free members were more likely to look on the bright side of life.
This despite a seeming lack of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Commonly found in fish, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve brain function and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
But the research suggests that vegetables, which are high in short-chain omega-3 fatty acids including linolenic and linoleic acid, have an equally powerful positive effect on mood.
Other types of food are also high in short-chain omega-3, including walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and flaxseed oil.