It is estimated that 280 million people worldwide live with clinical depression, a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood and self-perception.
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There are several risk factors for depression, including family history, hormonal changes, other chronic diseases, and ongoing stress, according to Medical News Today.
Previous studies have shown that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing depression, including physical activity, proper sleep, stress management, and following a healthy diet.
Regarding diet, past research has indicated that consuming healthy foods may help reduce the risk of depression.
A recently published study in the journal Microbiome suggests that oranges are another food that might help reduce the risk of depression.
A Higher Amount of Beneficial Bacteria Linked to Citrus Consumption
In this study, researchers analyzed data from more than 32,000 middle-aged women. Between 2003 and 2017, questionnaires were periodically sent to the participants asking about their diet and depression status.
Using DNA sequencing results from previously collected stool samples from the participants, the researchers found a link between citrus consumption and the abundance of 15 types of bacteria in the gut microbiome, including a bacterium called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Previous research has shown that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is beneficial to the body because it helps reduce inflammation and supports the immune system.
It may also assist in treating gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, as well as obesity and even type 2 diabetes, according to some animal studies.
Additionally, the scientists found a lower quantity of F. prausnitzii in the microbiome of the participants with depression.
Dr. Raj Mehta, from Harvard Medical School and a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the lead author of the study, said: “We found that eating a medium-sized orange daily may reduce the risk of depression by about 20%.”
He continued: “The effect seems to be specific to citrus. When we look at the overall fruit or vegetable intake, or individual fruits like apples or bananas, we don't see any relationship between their consumption and the risk of depression.”
The scientists also confirmed their findings in men through participants in the Men's Health Lifestyle Study, which also showed a decrease in F. prausnitzii in the microbiome linked to depression.
Researchers believe that F. prausnitzii may help treat depression by influencing the levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
