An article photo for reference on oranges. /Photo = Newsis
A study has revealed that regularly consuming citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can reduce the risk of depression by about 20%.
The scientific media outlet ‘ZME Science’ reported on the 26th (Korea time), citing a paper published in the Microbiome Journal, that “regular consumption of citrus fruits can have beneficial effects on gut microbiota, significantly reducing the risk of developing depression.”
According to the report, the research team led by Professor Raj Mehta and Dr. Chatpol Samuthpongtan of Harvard Medical School found through a follow-up study that the incidence of depression was significantly lower in individuals who frequently consumed citrus fruits.
Professor Raj Mehta stated, “We discovered that eating a medium-sized orange daily can reduce the risk of depression by about 20%.”
However, he noted that citrus fruits do not directly affect depression. The health, mood, and brain function of people are related to the gut microbiome ‘Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,’ and those who regularly consumed citrus fruits had higher levels of this microbiome.
Professor Raj Mehta explained, “Faecalibacterium prausnitzii influences the production of serotonin and dopamine in the gut. While serotonin and dopamine regulate the way food passes through the digestive tract, they also travel to the brain and enhance mood.”
The research team observed that stool samples collected from subjects showed that those with depression indeed had lower levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Additionally, the research team reported that foods such as spinach, kale, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, nuts, and seeds could have similar effects. They also mentioned that regular physical activity and adequate sleep can help reduce the risk of depression.