Mushroom Lovers Suffer from Depression Less Often — Study 0 9

It has been found that people who consume mushrooms experience depression less frequently. This does not mean that mushrooms completely eliminate this condition, but the likelihood of its occurrence among mushroom eaters is definitely lower. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Similar studies have been conducted before, but they were mostly clinical, where participants specifically included mushrooms in their diet, and the number of volunteers in such studies usually did not exceed a hundred. If there is indeed a causal relationship, the question arises as to what exactly in mushrooms may prevent depression. On one hand, it could be the amino acid ergothioneine, which is abundant in mushrooms and has anti-inflammatory properties — and inflammation is believed to increase the risk of psychoneurological disorders.

On the other hand, some mushrooms (such as champignons) are rich in potassium, and its deficiency is thought to contribute to the onset of anxiety. Finally, certain types of mushrooms contain substances that act as neurotrophic factors, which promote the growth of neurons and the formation of new synapses, which, in turn, helps protect against various psychoneurological issues, including depression.