The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has caused many deaths around the world, but it also had collateral effects, such as increasing symptoms of depression in the world.
And it is not for less, many people managed to protect themselves from the virus with a voluntary confinement that, in several cases, depressed to the people who were kept at home, with barely the slightest human contact.
Interestingly, a new study found that one way to avoid depression is to consume mushrooms. Next we will tell you more about the subject.
The fungus of happiness
In recent years mushrooms They have been the subject of many studies, especially because they are considered a superfood, that is, those foods that, due to their compounds, improve the health of their consumers more than other foods.
Thanks to this we know that mushrooms They have many benefits for human health, and one of the most interesting and little known is that they can help reduce symptoms and the risk of depression.
Although it is not found in the same quantity in all mushroomsYes, it does in several suitable for human consumption.
Ergothionein
In accordance with a new scientific study from Penn State University, consumers of mushrooms are less likely to have depression.
The secret behind this quality of mushrooms is called ergothionein, a powerful antioxidant found in various foods, but in the mushrooms it is in a stronger dose.
To reach this conclusion, Penn State experts used diet and mental health data from more than 24,000 adults between 2005 and 2016.
Previous studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent various mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
And, in the case of ergothionein, it was known that this antioxidant helps protect against cell and tissue damage in the body.
Mushroom friend
Out of all mushrooms edible, the one that stands out the most is the mushroom, which should not be missing in any diet.
According to Penn State research, it is the highest dietary source of the amino acid ergothionein, an anti-inflammatory that humans cannot synthesize.
Thus, if we consume it on a daily basis, we will have high levels of ergothionein in our body, which cannot be assimilated, but precisely because of this it will cause benefits to the body.
For example, it reduces the risk of oxidative stress, which could also reduce the symptoms of depression.
Additionally, mushrooms have potassium, which is a natural anxiety reducer.
Eat mushrooms
The researchers studied various types of mushrooms, but the conclusions do not break down whether the benefits apply to all mushrooms groceries.
Of course, in their conclusions they point out that there is a “significant association” between eating mushrooms and a lower risk of depression.
The researchers end their text by stating that there is potential clinical and public health importance to promoting the consumption of mushrooms as a means of reducing depression and prevent other diseases.
They also point out that, although there is no proven direct relationship between red meat and depression, propose to stop consuming meat one day a week and change it for mushrooms.