Eating More Fruit and Vegetables Linked to Less Stress, Study Finds
Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with less stress, according to new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU, Australia) that was published in Clinical Nutrition.
The study examined the link between fruit and vegetable intake and stress levels of more than 8,600 Australians aged between 25 and 91 participating in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study from Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
The findings revealed people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables daily had 10 percent lower stress levels than those who consumed less than 230 grams. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day.
Lead researcher, PhD candidate Simone Radavelli-Bagatini from ECU’s Institute for Nutrition Research, said the study strengthens the link between diets rich in fruit and vegetables and mental wellbeing. “We found that people who have higher fruit and veggie intakes are less stressed than those with lower intakes, which suggests diet plays a key role in mental wellbeing,” she said.
Mental health conditions are an increasing problem in Australia and around the world. Around one in two Australians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. Globally, approximately one in 10 people live with a mental health disorder.
According to Radavelli-Bagatini, some stress is considered normal, but long-term exposure can significantly impact mental health. “Long-term and unmanaged stress can lead to a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety so we need to find ways to prevent and possibly alleviate mental health problems in the future,” she explained.
While the mechanisms behind how fruit and vegetable consumption influences stress are still unclear, Radavelli-Bagatini said key nutrients could be a factor. “Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing,” she said. “Inflammation and oxidative stress in the body are recognized factors that can lead to increased stress, anxiety and lower mood.
“These findings encourage more research into diet and specifically what fruits and vegetables provide the most benefits for mental health.”
For more information, visit www.ecu.edu.au.
