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Tomatoes can save you from depression
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists from Tianjin Medical University have found out how to reduce the risk of developing depression. It turns out that the recipe is not complicated at all – it is enough to eat regular tomatoes several times a week.
The results of the specialists’ research were published in the scientific journal “Journal of Affective Disorders”.
Researchers analyzed the mental health and dietary habits of nearly 1,000 men and women aged 70 and over. The results showed that those who ate tomatoes two to six times a week were 46% less likely to suffer from depression. And those who ate tomatoes every day had an even better effect – their risk of developing depression was reduced by as much as 52%.
Experts emphasize that other vegetables and fruits do not have such properties. Cabbage, carrots, pumpkin, onions are certainly healthy products necessary for the health of our body, but they have no effect on psychological stability.
Up to 20% of the world's population suffers from depression at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to suffer from such conditions than men. Elderly people who experience frequent mood swings due to loneliness and deteriorating health are also at risk.
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidant chemical compounds that can protect against certain diseases. It is lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that determines the color of the fruit, that is the substance that can protect a person from depression. Previous studies show that lycopene can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.
Experts say they can't say exactly what mechanism lycopene works by, because it's not entirely clear whether it directly affects a person's mind or is only effective in cases of depression caused by serious illnesses, such as cancer. However, the positive results are obvious. Scientists believe that the tomato diet can be a preventative measure against depressive symptoms.