Daily Oranges and Exercise Linked to Lower Depression Risk, Study Finds

In a remarkable study set to be unveiled at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April 2025, researchers offer new insights into natural ways to combat depression. Raaj Mehta, MD, MPH, the lead author of the study and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, has revealed that the simple act of eating "one medium orange a day" could significantly reduce the risk of depression. The study also highlights the benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise in lowering the risks associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders.

The comprehensive research examined medical data from over 73,000 older adults, identifying a significant correlation between physical activity and a reduced likelihood of developing neuropsychiatric diseases. Participants who engaged more frequently in moderate-to-vigorous exercise exhibited a 14%–40% lower risk of conditions such as dementia, anxiety, depression, stroke, and sleep disorders. David Merrill, MD, PhD, emphasized the wide-ranging benefits, stating:

"The fact that even moderate levels of physical activity are linked to a lower risk of multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, from dementia to depression, highlights just how powerful movement is for protecting the brain."

In addition to exercise, the study underscores the specific impact of citrus fruit consumption on mental health. Raaj Mehta confirmed that citrus fruits like oranges have a unique effect on reducing depression risk:

"The effect seems to be specific to citrus. When we look at people’s total fruit or vegetable consumption, or at other individual fruits such as apples or bananas, we don’t see any relationship between intake and risk of depression."

Furthermore, the research suggests that individuals using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Ozempic, for diabetes management may experience a lower risk of depression compared to those using other diabetic treatments. This finding was highlighted by Jia-Yi Wu, MD:

"Both 'reducing sedentary behavior' and 'increasing physical activity' [guidelines] are equally important. For office workers, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, reducing sedentary behavior is more feasible and safer than engaging in vigorous intensity physical activity."