]Eating an orange a day may lower a person's depression risk by 20%, according to a study published in Microbiome. That might be because citrus stimulates the growth of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), a type of bacteria found in the human gut, to influence production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine—two biological molecules known to elevate mood.

Summary

A Harvard-led study published in Microbiome found that eating one orange a day may reduce depression risk by 20%.

The research links citrus consumption to increased levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a gut bacterium associated with higher serotonin and dopamine production, which can boost mood.

The findings were confirmed in both women and men. While not a replacement for antidepressants, citrus may play a role in mental health strategies.

Researchers hope to conduct clinical trials to further explore the connection between diet and mental health.

  • ShirashoEnglish
    1•2 days ago

    Cool. Let me know when the acidity won’t burn a hole through my stomach.

    • celeste
      5•2 days ago

      This article’s about how citrus changes gut bacteria in a way that helps prevent depression, so maybe there are other less burning ways to alter the Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in your system.

      • @[email protected]English
        3•2 days ago

        Some of us are old and our bodies are falling apart. I’ve been told by many people my age and older that they can’t eat onions, let alone garlic, anymore. You gotta stay on top of eating big flavors and capsaicin. Use it or lose it.

    • @[email protected]English
      0•2 days ago

      Not possible unless your prone to gerd, or have h pylori infection, or taking high doses of nsaids