Eating More Fruit Could Alleviate Depression and Improve Mental Health
"Eating healthy food is often encouraged to promote mental health and well-being. Now, a study published in British Journal of Nutrition found that frequent consumption of fruit is associated with lower depression scores.
Understanding the Research
Healthy Food Fuels Mental Wellness
Neuroscientist and clinical social worker Renetta Weaver, LCSW-C, says, "This study found a link between higher psychological health and well-being when we eat fruit, and lower psychological health and well-being when we eat savory, low-nutrient snacks."
"The study highlighted that it’s not the portion size but rather the regular consumption of fruit that can really have a positive impact on our mental health. Consuming savory snacks often can lead to forgetfulness, and feelings of anxiety and depression," she says.
Weaver highlights, "When we eat nutrient-rich foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that our body relies on to function, we have more energy to meet the demands of our day. However, when we eat processed foods, we satisfy our hunger but don’t truly get the vitamins and nutrients to succeed. This leaves us feeling tired, sluggish, anxious, and depressed."
Increasing Consumption of Healthy Foods
Registered dietician, nutritionist, and brain health coach at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN, CD, says, "Frequent fruit consumption has a direct positive relationship, while nutrient-poor savory snacks have a direct negative relationship, with elements of our psychological health."
"Include a serving of fruit or vegetable with each meal and snack," she says.
"If you don’t like prepping produce, choose prepared items at your local grocery store, like pre-cut fruit," she says.
Rapozo recommends a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for meals and snacks, as she gives tangible examples of apple slices and almond butter, or strawberries and walnuts with plain Greek yogurt.
"Don’t try to change everything overnight, as behavior change is most successful with small, reasonable steps," she says. "
Read the complete article available at Very Well Mind!
Reflection:
What are your favorite fruits?
*I absolutely adore mangoes. I love watermelon, cherries, blueberries and guava as well!*
#Fruits #Research #MentalHealth #Depression
@comfortableNight4463
I've heard that eating fruits also prevents dementia, but only if the fruit is avocado. I'll provide a reference if requested.
@LostTurtle22 That's quite interesting. Fruits have so many benefits. Thank you for sharing this!
@comfortableNight4463 I love bananas, watermelon, and raspberries! So delicious!! Thanks for sharing this!💛
@fruityPond7887 Yum!
I eat the hell lot of fruit, but does it help? No! Not the single f!
i was thinking when reading title probably a sugar high.........
when i am down and often if pissed off i take my fruit in the way of pie/ doughnut...... for some the sugar rush although temporary is a mood lifter it is for me.
@comfortableNight4463
raspberries are probably my most favourite fruit.