A study recently published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity examined the effects of red meat, soft drinks and refined grains on women. According to the study, women who have diets high in these foods, such as pasta, were more likely to suffer from depression.

The study revealed that "Women who sipped soft drinks, ate fatty red meat, or consumed refined grains (like pasta, white bread, crackers, or chips) daily were 29 to 41 percent more likely to be diagnosed or treated for depression than those who stuck to a healthier diet," MSN reports.

Over 43,000 women were studied over a 12-year period. Researchers studied both their diet habits and health outcomes.

Blood tests also showed that women who ate diets high in red meat, soft drinks and refined grains tested significantly higher for three different biomarkers of inflammation. Inflammation can be good because it helps your body's immune system. Healthy amounts of inflammation help our bodies fight disease and recover from injuries. Too much inflammation, on the other hand, is linked to a range of illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The new study from Brain, Behavior and Immunity is the just one of many studies to link diet to depression and inflammation. It is, however, one of the most comprehensive studies yet.

According to Michael Lucas, PhD, the co-author of the study, the exact link between depression and inflammation is not yet determined. Scientists have yet to fully understand the physiological and cognitive contributors of depression.

There is evidence, however, that certain diets increase the chances of depression and inflammation. According to Dr. Lucas, foods like olive oil, wine, coffee and vegetables like leafy greens, sweet potatoes and carrots help to decrease these risks if they are incorporated into a daily diet.

Diets that mimic Mediterranean eating habits have also been linked to lower mood disorder rates. A Mediterranean-style diet includes large amount of vegetables, fish and olive oil.