People who frequently eat fruit are more likely to report greater positive psychological well-being and are less likely to report symptoms of depression compared to those who do not, according to new research from Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences.

These findings suggest that how often we eat fruit is more important to our mental health than the total amount we consume during a typical week.In addition, the researchers found that people who eat savory snacks such as potato chips, which are low in nutrients, are more likely to report greater levels of anxiety. [1]

Figure 1. Research Shows Eating Fruit More Frequently Could Reduce Depression

Figure 1 shows after taking demographic and lifestyle factors including age, general health, and exercise into account, the scientists found that both nutrient-rich fruit and nutrient-poor savory snacks appeared to be linked to psychological health. They also discovered that there was no direct association between eating vegetables and psychological health.

Based on the survey, the more often people ate fruit, the higher they scored for mental well-being and the lower they scored for depression. This was independent of the overall quantity of fruit intake. [2]

Examples of these unpleasant everyday mental errors included forgetting where objects were placed, forgetting the purpose of entering certain rooms, and being unable to retrieve the names of acquaintances whose name was on the “tip of the tongue.”

“Both fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber and essential micronutrients that support optimal brain function, but these nutrients can be lost during cooking. Since we are more likely to eat fruit raw, this could potentially explain its stronger effect on our psychological health.

Conversely, it’s also possible that the upcoming curb on processed snacks at checkouts, set to take place this October, could not only improve the nation’s physical health, but mental health as well. [3]

References:

1. https://agadir-group.com/research-shows-eating-fruit-more-frequently-could-reduce-depression/
2. https://scitechdaily.com/forget-vegetables-research-shows-eating-fruit-more-frequently-could-reduce-depression/
3. https://industry-update.com/research-shows-that-eating-more-fruit-can-reduce-depression/93420/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Research Shows Eating Fruit More Frequently Could Reduce Depression, Anatechmaz, pp.180