Consuming one particular fruit daily might suffice to make a difference.
A study has uncovered the connection between gut health, the consumption of specific fruits, and the risk of depression.
We are advised to consume fruits and vegetables due to their benefits for our physical health, but – similar to realizing that going to the gym benefits both the mind and body – what might be the connection between fruit and mental well-being?
A study published in BMC explores the potential of diet serving as a ‘promising avenue for depression prevention and management’ rather than relying solely on antidepressant medications.
It discusses how Mediterranean-style diets ‘have been linked with a nearly 35 percent reduced risk of depression’ and ‘although the specific food groups that underlie these findings remain uncertain, citrus, including oranges and grapefruits, have recently been associated with a lower risk of depression.’
Moreover, ‘increasing data’ indicates that the gut microbiome may influence the onset of mental illnesses.
Thus, it decided to test this hypothesis.
By examining over 32,427 participants, the study ‘analyzed the interplay between citrus consumption, the gut microbiome, and risk of depression’ – being ‘one of the first and most comprehensive investigations’ to undertake such analysis.
The research examined the relationship between nutrition and depression (Getty Stock Images)
The study was based on another research initiated in 1989, which involved 116,429 female registered nurses who received questionnaires every two years to gather information on their medical history and lifestyles.
Semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires were distributed in 1991 and continued every four years thereafter.
In 2003, data specifically regarding depression started to be collected.
Excluding those who omitted any data, the focus shifted to 32,427 middle-aged women who were followed from the baseline established in 2003 until 2017.
The food questionnaire required participants to indicate how frequently they consumed a ‘standard serving’ of specific food items – 130 in total, to be exact.