Health

Daily Citrus Could Slash Depression Risk by 20%, Study Finds

Health
By Benjamin,  published 13 March 2025 at 7h00, updated on 13 March 2025 at 7h00.
El cítrico de consumo diario que puede reducir el riesgo de depresión hasta en un 20%, según un estudio

Discover how your daily citrus intake can potentially lower your depression risk by up to 20%, according to a recent study.

Tl;dr

  • Depression is a common mental disorder affecting 300 million people worldwide.

  • Oranges can help reduce depression risk due to beneficial bacteria generation.

  • Oranges also provide significant health benefits, including cardiovascular protection and aiding digestion.

    • Oranges: A Potential Anti-Depressant?

    Depression stands as one of the most prevalent mental disorders, tormenting an estimated 300 million individuals globally, according to World Health Organization’s data. Our diet, the food we consume, significantly influences our mood and can even contribute to the onset of mental health issues such as depression. Recent research suggests that a particular fruit, the humble orange, may play a role in mitigating the risk of depression.

    Harvard Study Reveals

    A study published in the Microbiome journal reveals an intriguing link between the consumption of oranges and depression. “Eating oranges reduced the risk of depression by 20% in the cohort we analysed,” reports Raaj Mehta, a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the principal author of the study. Interestingly, the effect appears to be specific to citrus fruits. The consumption of other fruits like apples or bananas showed no connection with depression risk.

    The Citrus Connection

    The Harvard research posits that oranges might be more effective in reducing depression risk than other fruits due to their ability to produce a higher amount of beneficial bacteria associated with citrus consumption. This research analyzed data from over 32,000 middle-aged women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II. The scientists believe that the positive effect of citrus fruits might be due to their contribution to the growth of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), a type of gut bacteria that influences the production of mood-related neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine.

    “These neurotransmitters regulate the passage of food through the digestive tract, but they can also reach the brain, where they enhance mood,” explained the study’s author. The researchers anticipate that citrus consumption might form part of a depression control strategy in the future.

    Beyond Mood: Other Health Benefits of Oranges

    Oranges are not only potential mood-boosters but also offer an array of other health benefits:

  • Improved digestion due to high fiber content.

  • Protection against cardiovascular diseases by reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

  • Blood pressure regulation due to high potassium levels.

  • Immune system strengthening through vitamins A, B, C and folic acid.

  • Anti-aging benefits from antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

    • These multifaceted benefits underscore the vital role of diet in depression prevention and overall well-being.