A FEW sips of vinegar might be enough to combat symptoms of depression, a new small study has suggested.
Overweight people who endured a sour start to the day saw a 42 per cent reduction in symptoms in just four weeks, Arizona State University researchers found.
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Previous studies have found vinegar could boost weight loss by speeding up the metabolism – a process associated with increased serotonin (happy hormone) production in the brain.
The US researchers said their findings could pave the way for a drug-free alternative to antidepressants, which are known to come with side effects.
Study author, Dr Carol S Johnston, said: “Depressive disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions in the world.”
“The commonly prescribed antidepressant medications can have serious side effects, and their efficacy varies widely.
“Thus, simple, effective adjunct therapies are needed.”
Around one in six Brits suffers depression, with women about twice as likely to have the mental health problem.
It is the most common mental health issue in older people, with around 22 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women aged 65 or over affected.
Seperate studies have linked taking vinegar to lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
The latest research, published Nutrients looked at how the condiment affects depression in overweight but otherwise healthy people.
Researchers gave two tablespoons of diluted red wine vinegar twice a day or one placebo pill once a day to 45 people.
This included men and women from a university setting aged 18–45 with a BMI between 20 and 40.
Depression scores were measured before and after treatment to see how well the condiment worked. They also took blood samples.
Those drinking the vinegar saw a 42 per cent reduction in depression scores, compared to just 18 per cent reduction in the control group.
People drinking vinegar also had an 86 per cent increase of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) in their blood, a nutrient linked to anti-inflammatory effects.
The researchers said more research needed to be done into vinegar and nicotinamide’s long-term effects on depressive symptoms.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The psychological symptoms of depression include:
- Continuous low mood or sadness
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Having low self-esteem
- Feeling tearful
- Feeling guilt-ridden
- Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- Having no motivation or interest in things
- Finding it difficult to make decisions
- Not getting any enjoyment out of life
- Feeling anxious or worried
- Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
The physical symptoms of depression include:
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- Constipation
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Lack of energy
- Low sex drive (loss of libido)
- Disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning
Source: The NHS