Spinach fights depression and improves mood

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Spinach can improve depression and mood-related disorders, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic of Scottish Medical Research.

The spinach contains a protein that can help develop new drugs to treat depression and mood disorders and generate less harmful side effects.

The new study, published in the journal Neurological Neuroscience, suggests that this protein may also be effective in fighting chronic pain.

According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is an emotional disorder that causes constant sadness and loss of interest in various activities. According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

"There is currently no medication for mood disorders, but the treatments they are working on are now more complete and have less harmful side effects," said Richard Van Ryan, professor at the University of Toronto. 39, Purdue University.

Previous studies have confirmed that spinach contributes to cancer prevention because it contains potent antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help fight cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancers, skin cancer and prostate cancer.

Spinach also contains vitamin A and vitamin C as well as a high percentage of beta-carotene, which reduces the work of free radicals in the body and prevents the accumulation of harmful cholesterol in the body , in addition to preventing the oxidation of cholesterol on the lining of blood vessels that can lead to a risk of stroke. And heart attacks.

Spinach is an important source of beneficial carotene, lutein and zanthine, particularly beta-carotene, which compensates for vitamin A deficiencies and thus treats itchy eyes, dry eyes, inflammation and swelling. . Spinach contains a high proportion of glutathione, which plays an important role in preventing cataracts.

Spinach also contains potassium and folic acid, which are good ingredients for treating various neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Potassium also increases blood flow to the brain and improves concentration and perception.