Fruit, veg link to mental health
LONDON: Eating fruit and vegetables is linked with being good for children’s mental health, new research suggests.
Children who consumed five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day had the highest scores for mental wellbeing, the British study found.
It was also linked with better wellbeing among secondary school pupils in particular.
The study was the first to investigate the association between how much fruit and vegetables UK schoolchildren eat, breakfast and lunch choices, and mental wellbeing.
Lead researcher Professor Ailsa Welch, from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, said: ‘‘We know that poor mental wellbeing is a major issue for young people and is likely to have long-term negative consequences.
‘‘While the links between nutrition and physical health are well understood, until now, not much has been known about whether nutrition plays a part in children’s emotional wellbeing.’’
Researchers analysed data from almost 9000 children in 50 schools across Norfolk taken from the Norfolk children and Young People’s Health and wellbeing Survey.
Participants self-reported their dietary choices and took part in mental wellbeing tests that covered cheerfulness, relaxation and having good interpersonal relationships.
The study took into account other factors that might have an impact, such as adverse childhood experiences and home situations.