Everyone knows that eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for our physical health, but new research has shown that it also helps mentally.
Specifically, eating more fruit was associated with improved overall mental health and reduced depressive symptoms.
A team of researchers at Aston University surveyed more than 400 adults in the UK about their mental health and diet and elaborated on their snack habits.
Their research helps us better understand the link between food and mental health. It is far less understood than its impact on physical health.
They found that those who ate fruits had lower depression scores and higher mental health compared to savory and sweet treats and vegetables. This is after considering differences in age, general health, and amount of exercise.
The results were published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Although this study cannot prove that eating fruit directly improved mental health, lead author Dr. Nicola Jane Tuck said, overall, “the habit of reaching for a bowl of fruit. It’s definitely worth wearing. “
On the other hand, those who ate a lot of “delicious foods with low nutritional value” had poor mental health.
“Survey results may suggest that frequent snacking of tasty, low-nutrient foods may increase daily psychological insufficiency, which can reduce psychological health. I conclude.
So why is it better to reach for fruits than vegetables? Vegetables aren’t bad for you – they also contain many important vitamins and minerals.
The difference is how they are consumed.
Nicola explains: ‘Fruits and vegetables are both rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential micronutrients that promote optimal brain function, but these nutrients can be lost during cooking.
“This may explain the stronger impact on our psychological health, as we are more likely to eat fruits raw.”
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