Grapes are packed with a bunch of nutrients and antioxidants that can improve one's overall health. However, a new study reveals compounds found in grapes can reduce symptoms of depression.
Giulio Maria Pasinetti, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City, conducted a study to find new ways to treat anxiety and depression.
Pasinetti and his team discovered a bioactive dietary polyphenol preparation (BDPP), made of concord grape juice, grape seed extract, and trans-resveratrol. BDPP was found to protect against mechanisms associated with depression.
The team tested BDPP with mice that have been living with chronic depression and stress. The researchers also found that mice reacted to BDPP and symptoms of depression improved.
"The discovery of these new, natural grape-derived polyphenol compounds targeting cellular and molecular pathways associated with inflammation may provide an effective way to treat a subset of people with depression and anxiety, a condition that affects so many people," said professor Pasinetti.
Depression
Each year, more than 18 million men and women are impacted by depression in the United States. Depression can occur for many reasons.
Some people believe depression is just a cloud lingering over someone's head, waiting for it to pass, or simply experiencing a sad day.
Most researchers believe depression is a result from a chemical imbalance. Some other factors that contribute to depression are genetics, hormonal imbalance, major life events like death, abuse, and certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of depression people can experience include excessive sleeping, feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, and weight loss without a diet plan, according to WebMD.
Ways To Reduce Depression
Like grapes, there are many fruits and vegetables that can help reduce the symptoms of depression. Foods rich in vitamins such as eggs, meat, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, juice, and walnuts can reduce symptoms of depression.
Researchers have also found that a deficiency in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, can cause depression, in addition to low levels of vitamin D.
Another study found that people suffering from depression who are eating a healthy diet can improve their symptoms. Not only did the study group eat vegetables and meats, but they also drank two glasses of red wine every day, during the study.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help reduce depression by balancing chemicals in the brain which are neurotransmitters, which affect emotions and moods. Antidepressants have been known to help improve overall mood, concentration, and quality of sleep.
