Produce Improves Mental Health
We have known for many years that fruits and vegetables are vital to good physical health but we are learning more that produce improves mental health. As we continue to appreciate the impact of modern Lifestyle and Diet on chronic illnesses, research continues to highlight the holistic nature of health.
For less cost and no or negligible adverse events, produce improves mental health. Social Determinants of Health like proper nutrition are gaining more attention throughout healthcare, from hospitals to physicians to insurers. Research like this will continue to drive the point that a plant-based diet and moderate exercise help healthy holistically before the need for “sick care”.
Specifically, the findings indicate that eating just one extra portion of fruits and vegetables a day could have an equivalent effect on mental well-being as around 8 extra days of walking a month (for at least 10 minutes at a time).
Dr Neel Ocean of the University of Leeds, who authored the study with Dr Peter Howley (University of Leeds) and Dr Jonathan Ensor (University of York), said: “It’s well-established that eating fruit and vegetables can benefit physical health.
“Recently, newer studies have suggested that it may also benefit psychological well-being. Our research builds on previous work in Australia and New Zealand by verifying this relationship using a much bigger UK sample.
“While further work is needed to demonstrate cause and effect, the results are clear: people who do eat more fruit and vegetables report a higher level of mental well-being and life satisfaction than those who eat less.”
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