Doctors Find That Eating One Particular Fruit Can Lower Your Risk of Depression by 20%

A Surprising Link Between Fruit and Mental Health

Eating fruit is commonly associated with physical health benefits, but what if it could also play a role in improving mental well-being? A recent study has found that eating a specific fruit could reduce your risk of depression by up to 20%. This discovery highlights the intriguing connection between diet, gut health, and mental health.

The Study: Citrus Fruits and Depression

Published in BMC, the study explores how Mediterranean-style diets, rich in citrus intake like oranges and grapefruits, could potentially reduce depression risk. The doctors noted that while the exact foods responsible remain unclear, citrus fruits have emerged as strong contenders. Increased research shows that the microbiome of our gut, influenced by what we eat, can affect the development of mental health issues, including depression.

The Long-Term Study

The study builds on a long-term research project that started in 1989 with 116,429 female nurses. Every two years, participants provided information on their medical history and lifestyles, and by 2003, data specifically about depression was collected. The researchers focused on 32,427 middle-aged women, tracking their citrus consumption and its relationship to depression from 2003 to 2017.

Participants were asked about their citrus intake, including grapefruit, oranges, and their juices. The study then measured the correlation between regular citrus consumption and the development of depression, excluding those who skipped data.

The Impact of Citrus on Mental Health

The findings suggest that incorporating citrus intake into a daily diet could help lower the risk of depression by 20%. This is a significant step forward in understanding how simple dietary changes can support mental health. It also paves the way for considering diet as a potential alternative or supplement to antidepressant medications.