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Consume Fruits And Vegetables To Beat The Blues

By on November 23, 2014

BODY:
Beyond the already acclaimed physical health benefits, a new study concludes that fruits and veggies augment mental health too. Fruits and veggies are a good source of vital nutrients, including vitamins, fiber and minerals – making them an indispensable part of our diet. But, now a new research claims that consuming a healthy diet, consisting of five portions of vegetables and fruits, also uplifts psychological well-being.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables

Positive mental well-being is closely linked to self-esteem, social and emotional intelligence, coping skills and effective addressing of challenges. The study done by the researchers at the University of Warwick examined about 14,000 adults – scrutinizing their physical and mental health, health-related behaviors and some other factors. And the study partakers’ mental well-being was measured using Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, classifying the participants into groups according to their mental well-being.

A significant number (33.5%) of individuals labeled as having high mental well-being were noted to consume at least five portions of veggies and fruits a day, while only 7% individuals of this group consumed less than one portion. Though the study took many factors into consideration such as BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, the only two factors that have been consistent with all the genders are smoking and healthy diet, particularly fruits and veggies. The researchers concluded that consumption of fruit and vegetables plays a crucial role in attaining optimal mental well-being, not smoking.

Not Smoking

Not Smoking

A most important finding of this study is that the study subjects with high mental well-being does not consume alcohol and aren’t overweight. The lead author of this study, Dr. Saverio Stranges, says that their study findings adds to the growing body of evidence that individuals who gorge on more fruits and vegetables would likely enjoy good physiological and psychological well-being.

Though high mental well-being doesn’t necessarily prevent a future health problem, certainly a low mood is an alarming sign of a future mental illness or an underlying mental health issue.
The data is collected as part of Health Survey of England and was appeared in the September 19, 2014 issue of BMJ Open journal.

Physical health benefits:

  • It aids control the appetite.
  • It helps enhance metabolism.
  • It cut down stress.
  • It may help prevent insomnia.
  • Likely to reduce the risk of heart disorders and osteoporosis.

Activities:

  • Choose the stairs to reach your place.
  • Go by walk to lunch.
  • Go to the store by walk.
  • Try to get up to change the TV channel instead of remote.

Workout:

  • Aerobic exercise
  • Strength training
  • Flexibility exercise

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