Eating mushrooms is making headlines these days because of their many health benefits. These superfoods not only reduce the risk of death and cancer, but are also shown to be effective against depression in a new study. The researchers used diet and mental health data collected from more than 24,000 adults between 2005 and 2016. They found that people who ate mushrooms were significantly less likely to develop depression.
How eating mushrooms affects cognition
According to the study authors, edible mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that can protect against cell and tissue damage in the body. Previous research has shown that antioxidants help prevent various mental illnesses such as schizophrenia,bipolar disordersand prevent depression. However, humans cannot synthesize this amino acid themselves, making mushrooms an excellent food source for it. Higher amounts of it could reduce the risk of oxidative stress, which would accordingly reduce the symptoms of depression. White mushrooms, which are the most widely consumed worldwide, also contain potassium. Scientists believe that it relieves anxiety. In addition, certain other edible mushroom species, particularly Hericium erinaceus (monkey's head mushroom, or hedgehog's beard), also known as lion's mane, can stimulate the expression of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth synthesis. This could have a corresponding impact on the prevention of neuropsychiatric diseases including depression.
The research team observed a significant association between mushroom consumption and a lower likelihood of depression. The researchers took into account sociodemographic factors, such as self-reported illnesses, medications and other dietary factors. However, they said that there was no clear additional benefit at relatively high consumption. The team conducted a secondary analysis to see whether the risk of depression decreased by replacing daily servings of red or processed meat with mushrooms. However, the results show that this substitution was not associated with a lower likelihood of depression. In addition, liftsthis studyhighlighted the potential clinical and public importance of eating mushrooms as a means of reducing depressive states and preventing other diseases.
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