Eating ‘the rainbow’ fosters a sunny outlook

So say researchers reporting in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Their study of more than 17,000 participants found that those who ate the most red, green and yellow veggies, which are rich in plant pigments called carotenoids, were up to 41% less likely to experience symptoms of depression. The reason? Carotenoids contain antioxidants that reduce proteins called cytokines, which can cause inflammation that can lead to depression. The study-proven dose: about 2 cups of brightly colored fruit and veggies daily.