Stressed? Eat lots of fruit and veg
DIETS loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables can cut stress levels by up to a quarter, a study shows.
People who ate at least five-a-day saw anxiety plummet and mental well-being improve.
Researchers said the biggest benefit comes from eating between five and seven portions, with the effect greatest in middle-aged women.
Dr Melody Ding, of the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health, said: “Growing evidence suggests a link between diet and mental health.
“This study shows moderate daily fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower rates of psychological stress.” The study of 60,000 Australians aged 45 and over is the latest to show regular servings of greens are a simple way to stave off disease and keep mentally active.
It comes just a month after British scientists said the fabled “five-a-day” was crucial to lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer.
Moderate daily vegetable intake alone was linked to less stress, but moderate fruit intake alone appeared to show no significant benefit.
The most potent effect was seen when fruit and veg like apples, bananas and oranges and potatoes, cucumber, lettuce and carrots were eaten together – and particularly by women. Those eating between five and seven servings a day had a 14 per cent lower risk of stress than those who ate up to four, research showed.
Women eating between three and four servings of vegetables daily had an 18 per cent lower risk of stress than eating one serving.
Those having two portions of fruit had a 16 per cent lower risk of stress than those eating up to one.
However, women eating between five and seven daily servings of fruit and vegetables saw a 23 per cent lower risk of stress.
Professor Simon Capewell, of the UK Faculty of Public Health, said: “This is a very interesting study and the new evidence suggests a causal link, that as intake of fruit and vegetables goes up, so distress goes down.
“This fits with a large amount of existing scientific evidence showing the wider health benefits of eating more [fruit and veg] and obviously eating less junk food.
“The more fruit and vegetables people routinely eat, the more they promote their health, and reduce their risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and common cancers.”
The findings were published in the British Medical Journal Open.