A new study suggests that incorporating vinegar into daily routines might alleviate symptoms of depression, opening the door for unconventional treatments. Led by researchers at Arizona State University, the study investigated the impact of daily vinegar consumption on mental health and metabolic activity.
The research found an impressive 86% increase in nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) levels among participants who consumed liquid vinegar daily. Nicotinamide has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to improved depression symptoms.
The trial involved 28 overweight but otherwise healthy adults, divided into two groups: one group consumed two tablespoons of red wine vinegar twice daily, while the other group took a daily pill with a small amount of vinegar. Over four weeks, participants completed two mental health surveys: the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Results showed no significant difference on the CES-D, but the PHQ-9 revealed a 42% reduction in depressive symptoms for the high vinegar group, compared to an 18% reduction in the control group.
Despite these findings, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and low initial depression levels among participants. Adjustments for baseline scores also did not show significant improvements in secondary analyses. Nonetheless, the researchers, led by dietician Haley Barrong, advocate for further investigation into vinegar’s potential benefits.
“Depressive disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions globally,” Barrong noted. “Given the limitations of conventional antidepressants, exploring simple, effective adjunct therapies is crucial.”
The study underscores the need for more research to explore vinegar’s effects on clinically depressed or at-risk populations, and those already on antidepressant medications. Future studies should focus on larger sample sizes and mechanisms to provide stronger evidence of vinegar’s role in health promotion.
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