To check this, scientists induced stress-related depression-like behaviors in 60 male mice. Half of the mice got a placebo, whereas the opposite half acquired lycopene dietary supplements. The outcomes had been placing: mice handled with lycopene had been noticeably extra social and even confirmed a renewed curiosity in a sugar-water combination—a basic check for anhedonia, or the lack of pleasure in usually satisfying actions.
The Hidden Catch: Can You Eat Sufficient Lycopene?
Whereas the findings sound promising, there’s a significant hurdle to beat—dosage. The mice within the examine acquired 20 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of physique weight. In human phrases, that will translate to about 147 milligrams each day for a 200-pound individual. The issue? Present analysis means that consuming greater than 75 to 100 milligrams of lycopene per day is probably not solely secure.
For context, a single medium tomato comprises roughly 3 milligrams of lycopene, whereas a cup of watermelon offers about 7 milligrams. To match the examine’s dosage, you’d have to eat about 21 tomatoes or 14 cups of watermelon each single day—a near-impossible feat for the typical individual.
Whereas this analysis opens the door for extra pure therapies for melancholy, consultants warning that extra research are wanted—notably in people. The examine solely examined male mice and centered solely on the hippocampus, the mind’s reminiscence heart, leaving many unanswered questions.
“Melancholy is a power situation that develops over time,” the researchers famous. “An extended remark interval after lycopene intervention could present a clearer image of its true effectiveness.”
A Step Towards Pure Psychological Well being Options?
With artificial antidepressants usually carrying a variety of unwanted effects, the potential of plant-based therapies like lycopene is an thrilling prospect. Nevertheless, till scientists can develop an efficient and secure human dosage, counting on tomatoes and watermelon alone to spice up psychological well being may be extra of a dream than a actuality.
So, whereas lycopene is probably not the magic bullet for melancholy simply but, it does trace at an thrilling future the place diet performs a much bigger function in psychological well being therapy. Within the meantime, having fun with a weight loss program wealthy in vegetables and fruit definitely received’t damage—and would possibly simply give your mind a bit additional love.
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