In recent years, a number of studies have appeared that discuss the positive effects of mushrooms on one’s health. In fact, some health advantages of these superfoods is their ability to lower one’s cancer risk, treatment for PTSD, as well as premature death. But other research, which was done at Penn State College of Medicine, has also found that they could also be beneficial for one’s mental health.
The Penn State research team took data from over 24,000 U.S. adults about their diets and their mental health from the year 2005 until 2016. What they found was those that ate mushrooms were found to have lower chances of having depression.
Researchers explain that mushrooms have an antioxidant called ergothioneine, which helps protect against tissue and cell damage within the body. Other studies have also proven how antioxidants aid in the prevention of a number of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia.
Lead researcher for the study, Djibril Ba, who recently graduated from the College of Medicine epidemiology doctoral program, said, “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.”
Research showed that white button mushrooms tend to be the most common variety that are eaten in U.S. households, which actually contain potassium, known to naturally lower anxiety. Moreover, other types of edible mushrooms – most especially Hericium erinaceus – which is also known as Lion’s Mane, can also encourage the release of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor synthesis. They share that this could possibly have an impact ‘on preventing neuropsychiatric disorders including depression.’
The research team also shared that ‘college-educated, non-Hispanic white women were more likely to eat mushrooms.’ In addition, the average age of participants in the survey were 45 years old, while the majority, which sat at 66%, were non-Hispanic white individuals. The study group also observed a substantial link between mushroom consumption and lower risks of depression after they accounted for the following, ‘socio-demographics, major risk factors, self-reported diseases, medications, and other dietary factors.’ However, the researchers also shared that there was no other unmistakable extra benefit that came with a higher consumption of mushrooms.
Penn State Cancer Institute researcher and professor of public health sciences, Joshua Muscat, shared, “The study adds to the growing list of possible health benefits of eating mushrooms.”
The research team also carried out yet another study, a secondary analysis, in order to figure out if the risk of depression would decrease by changing one serving of processed meat or red meat with a serving of mushrooms everyday instead. But, their findings saw that despite the substitution, there was no association found in lowered odds of depression.
The study authors also noted that there were a few limitations to the study which could possibly be considered in future studies. What the data lacked from the study was that details on the types of mushrooms consumed by participants. Because of this, the study group couldn’t figure out the ‘effects of specific types of mushrooms on depression.’ It was U.S. Department of Agriculture food codes that helped researchers determine their mushroom intake. Because of this, a number of the entries could have been inaccurately recorded or even misclassified as a result.
Before this study, which was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, there were a number of clinical trials that had less than 100 participants that looked at the association between mushroom consumption and depression.
But the researchers have also said that this newer study focuses on ‘the potential clinical and public health importance of mushroom consumption as a means of reducing depression and preventing other diseases.’ Although many will argue that more studies and research is needed to truly find the link between mushrooms and mental health benefits, there won’t be a lack of people buying and eating mushrooms while waiting for them to be published.
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