and an excellent remedy for mental health.
Another variety of edible mushrooms called the Hericium erinaceus (also known as Lion’s Mane) is identified to stimulate neurotrophic factors expression like nerve growth factor synthesis. This may assist in preventing depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Mushroom Study
With multiple benefits of mushrooms, the present team was set to derive the relationship between mushroom consumption and a lower risk of depression in American adults.
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The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. The 24 h dietary recall was then analyzed for 2 days to measure the intake frequency of mushrooms from more than 24,000 U.S. adults (of average age 45 years).
The consumption data was then correlated with the depression score (using the Patient Health Questionnaire – PHQ-9, score ≥ 10) of the participants. Potential confounding factors were adjusted using multivariable logistic regression models.
Superfood for Depression
It was found that there were lower odds of depression among those who consumed mushrooms.
The scientists affirmed that mushrooms encompass an antioxidant called ergothioneine, which helps in protecting the body against cellular and tissue damages. Moreover, antioxidants also aid in averting numerous mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
“Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the amino acid ergothioneine — an anti-inflammatory which cannot be synthesized by humans. Having high levels of this may lower the risk of oxidative stress, which could also reduce the symptoms of depression,” says lead researcher Djibril Ba, who recently graduated from the epidemiology doctoral program at the College of Medicine.
Demographics-Based Diversity
The study also noted that non-Hispanic white women, college-educated, had increased consumption of mushrooms. In accordance, the majority (66%) of the participants were non-Hispanic white people.
After tallying the socio-demographics, self-reported diseases, major risk factors, dietary and medications factors, there was a notable link between lower odds of depression and mushroom consumption.
These data thus adds to the mounting health benefits of mushrooms consumption. Nevertheless, the team also affirmed that no clear added benefits were demonstrated with relatively high mushroom intake.
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Secondary Analysis
Hence, the team conducted another analysis to deduce the link between reduced risk of depression and replacing the mushrooms serving with red or processed meat serving each day.
However, there was no significant link obtained with the substitution. Several other studies have also examined the relationship between mushroom consumption and depression but with very limited participants, less than 100.
Henceforth, this study sheds light on the possible clinical and public health importance of reducing depression & various diseases by mushroom consumption.
In concluding remarks, the team also noted certain limitations for future addressable such as effects of different types of mushrooms on depression.
Moreover, the food codes issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture were utilized to govern the intake of mushrooms. Thus, there are chances of certain entries being misclassified or inadequately documented.
Reference:
- Mushroom consumption may lower risk of depression – (https://news.psu.edu/story/671864/2021/10/11/research/mushroom-consumption-may-lower-risk-depression)
Source: Medindia
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