Have you ever wondered how you could naturally reduce stress without using drugs? With fruit?
With fruit over stress. Did you know that certain ingredients in fruit can have a positive effect on yours? mental health? One of these natural solutions comes from a completely unexpected source – the peel of citrus fruits such as lemon and orange.
The effect of citrus on the mind and body
New research has shown that pectin, a natural substance in the peel of citrus fruits, may play an important role in reducing stress and anxiety. Pectin has long been known as a food additive, which is mainly used in the food industry. However, scientists have now discovered that this natural polysaccharide also has tremendous mental health benefits.
In the research, conducted by experts from the University of Nottingham and University College Dublin, participants who consumed 20 grams of pectin daily showed a significant improvement in their mental well-being. Scientists believe that pectin could become a safe, natural and affordable alternative to synthetic drugs that often bring unwanted side effects.
How does pectin work?
The study lasted four weeks, during which the participants received pectin isolated from citrus fruits. The results showed that it helped regulate proteins in the immune system that are associated with inflammatory processes and anxiety. This discovery is important because it points to the possibility of using pectin as a natural supplement to combat stress without causing side effects.
In addition, it is safe for long-term use, which is its big advantage compared to conventional antidepressants. Due to its natural composition, it is also non-addictive, which means that you can use it as part of your daily diet without any worries.
These results opened the door to new research that could look even more closely at how pectin helps people with more serious forms of anxiety or other mental disorders.
Although the research results are encouraging, scientists caution that more research is needed before pectin can become a standard solution for treating more severe mental health problems. Current data are based on healthy individuals, so additional study is needed in people with diagnosed mental illnesses.
Pectin, a natural substance from citrus fruits, has been shown in this research to be a promising solution for managing stress and anxiety. Due to its safety, effectiveness and natural origin, it can become part of a daily diet that stimulates mental and physical health.
With further research, this simple yet effective natural substance could become a key part of strategies to improve overall mental well-being without the use of drugs.