279 Eat your Fruits and Veggies

Based on research by Mujcic, Redzo., & Oswald, Andrew. J. (2016) written by Bethany Wellman, M.S.

Do you make sure that half your diet includes fruits and vegetables? If not, listen up!

Behavioral health and economic researchers examined the food diaries kept for 3 years 2007, 2009, and 2013 by over 12,000 Australians before and after an Australian public Healthy Eating Campaign. They wanted to find out whether the amount of fruit and veggies eaten related to an individual’s self-reported mental health and level of happiness. Researches took into consideration aspects of the diarist’s life such as, difficult personal situations and fluctuating financial stabilities when considering these results. They measured change in fruit/veggie consumptions from one time period to the next. When participants consumed greater amounts of fruits and veggies, they rated their life satisfaction, happiness, and their overall wellbeing higher in comparison to those that did not change or ate less fruits and veggies.

Results suggest that greater consumptions of fruits and veggies can provide immediate benefit to your mental health in a much shorter turnaround time than the longer-term benefits to physical health.

Like momma said, “Eat your fruits and veggies!” you’ll be happier for it.

Reference:

Mujcic, R., & Oswald, A. J. (2016). Evolution of Well-Being and Happiness After Increases in Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables. American Journal of Public Health, 106(8), 1504-1510.