A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and rice are not only bad for weight watchers, but may also adversely impact the mind and put post-menopausal women at greater risk for depression, as reported by The Washington Post.

The study looked at data collected from 70,000 women who were part of the National Institutes of women's health program between the years 1994 and 1998. The data also included information on the kind of carbohydrates consumed by the women and whether any of them had been diagnosed with depression.

The study found out that the women who consumed sugars and refined grains were more at risk of depression than the women who consumed more dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables and non-juice fruits. 

"This suggests that dietary interventions could serve as treatments and preventive measures for depression," wrote James Gangswisch, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, and his co-authors.

The researchers explained the findings by citing that when people eat refined carbohydrates, their bodies secrete high levels of insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. This 'sugar rush' or 'crash' that people experience after eating refined carbs can lead to variations in mood, tiredness and other symptoms related to depression.