This finding was made by scientists from Brazil, who link the effect to the melatonin content in these foods. The results of a large cohort study are published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and are based on data from more than 8 thousand graduates of Brazilian universities.
It turned out that individuals with high dietary melatonin intake suffered less frequently from obesity and depression. However, no association was found with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, and lipid profile disturbances.
The principal sources of melatonin in the diet turned out to be:
coffee,
legumes (lentils and beans),
rice.
Since the study was observational, it is not yet possible to speak of a cause-and-effect relationship. Additional long-term studies are needed for this.
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