Fungi, often considered as a superfood due to their various health benefits, can help reduce symptoms and risk of depression, according to a new study by the University of Penn State. The key to this potential benefit is a powerful antioxidant called Ergothioneine, which helps protect the body from damage. Of all the foods that contain this antioxidant, fungi are the biggest source.
There is a wide variety of edible fungi, including the white button fungus, which is the most common fungus in the United States. There may be multiple compounds in several fungi that can help reduce or prevent anxiety and depression. Eating fungi has also been related to a reduced risk of cancer.
This new study involved mental health and diet data on more than 24,000 adults in the United States; The data were collected between 2005 and 2016. An analysis of these data showed that people who ate fungi were less likely to have depression, something potentially driven by antioxidant ergothionein.
Previous investigations have linked antioxidants with the help of preventing the development of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Beyond that, researchers point out that other compounds in fungi can also help support mental health, including everything from potassium to a compound that stimulates the nervous growth factor.
Researchers suggest that high levels of ergotinein, which the human body cannot synthesize on its own, can decrease oxidative stress in body tissues and cells, which contributes to a decrease in symptoms of depression. Among other things, the study represented other potentially influential factors, ultimately finding a “significant association” between eating fungi and a decreased risk of depression.