According to research, consuming a vegetable and fruit rich diet is linked to less stress. The study examined the connection between vegetable and fruit intake and stress levels of over 8,600 individuals between the ages of 25 and 91 taking part in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study.1✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.03.043
The results showed that individuals consuming a minimum of 470 grams of vegetables and fruits daily had 10% lower levels of stress compared to individuals consuming less than 230 grams.
The World Health Organization’s recommendations are the consumption of a minimum of 400 grams of vegetables and fruits daily.
It was clearly demonstrated that individuals who have higher fruit and veggie consumption are less stressed compared to individuals with lower consumption, which suggests that diet plays an important part in mental wellbeing.
A certain amount of stress is regarded as normal, but long-term exposure to stress can affect mental health significantly.
Unmanaged and long-term stress can result in various health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression so ways to prevent and also alleviate mental health problems need to be found.
Other research has shown the connection between vegetable and fruit consumption and stress in younger adults, but now we’re seeing similar results across individuals of all ages. The results of the study emphasize the importance of having a vegetable and fruit rich diet to help minimize stress.
Although it’s still unclear how vegetable and fruit consumption impacts stress, key nutrients may well be a factor. Fruits and vegetables contain essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids that can help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and as a consequence improve mental wellbeing.
Inflammation and oxidative stress within the body are recognized factors that can result in increased anxiety, stress, and a reduction in mood.
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