Mushroom Benefit: Scientists are trying to develop new ways to prevent depression. But in this case, mushrooms can prove to be effective. This has come to the fore in a recent study. An analysis of a broad number of people who ate mushrooms showed that mushroom consumption was associated with a lower risk of depression. However, this connection between depression and mushrooms remains a mystery. For now, the researchers say that the data should be interpreted with caution. However, there is only a correlation between the results. Eating more mushrooms does not reduce the chances of depression.
Large scale study:
Researchers say this is one of the first large observational studies on mushroom consumption and depression. It included dietary and mental health data from more than 24,000 US adults from 2005 to 2016. The findings do not differentiate between different types of mushrooms but are based on several small clinical trials on mushrooms of the species Hericium Erinaceus. These mushrooms can help reduce depression and anxiety.
"This study adds to the growing list of potential health benefits of eating mushrooms," says Joshua Muscat, a public health scientist at Pennsylvania State University. However, what is there in the mushroom, which proves to be so good for our health, this thing is still a puzzle.
Scientists eye powerful antioxidant
Mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can prove to be helpful in keeping depression away. However, many clinical trials and studies will still be needed to find out and prove this. Nevertheless, scientists are eyeing a powerful antioxidant known as ergothioneine, present in mushrooms. Humans can get it only through diet and mushrooms have the highest amount of any other food.
In recent animal models, this antioxidant has been found to cross the blood flow barrier that separates the brain from the rest of the body. This suggests that ergothioneine may have effects on neurological health. Other animal models suggest that this antioxidant may also play an important role in the health of the gut, which houses the neurons that influence mood.
Still, more study is needed:
Penn State epidemiologist Jibril Ba says that mushrooms are the highest source of the amino acid ergothioneine. Its consumption can reduce the risk of stress and it can also reduce the symptoms of depression. Still, this is just one possible explanation. More research is needed on larger groups to find out what is special about mushrooms and how they affect human health. The data, in this case, comes from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
