It’s not a topic, even if many think about it. Carrying a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower level of stress, according to the results of a study by Edith Cowan University (Australia), published in the scientific journal ” Clinical Nutrition” and in which 8,600 Australians between 25 and 91 years of age participated.
The results revealed that people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables a day had 10% lower stress levels than those who consumed less than 230 grams. It should be recalled that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables daily.
Long-term stress
We found that people who have a higher intake of fruits and vegetables are less stressed than those with lower intake, suggesting that diet plays a key role in mental well-being, explains lead researcher Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, in statements collected by Europa Press.
In turn, long-term stress is related to our mental health. Prolonged and uncontrolled stress can cause several health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety, so we must find ways to prevent and possibly alleviate mental health problems in the future, says the researcher.
Two servings of fruit per day
Although the mechanisms by which fruit and vegetable consumption influences stress are not yet clear, the researcher says that key nutrients could be a factor. Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and therefore improve mental well-being, he points out.
Previous studies have shown the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and stress in younger adults, but this is the first time we have seen similar results in adults of all ages. The study’s findings highlight that it is important for people to have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to potentially minimize stress, riveting Radavelli-Bagatini.
Although the benefits of a healthy diet are well known, only 1 in 2 people eat the two recommended servings of fruit a day. The balance with the vegetable is no better. Less than 1 in 10 eat the recommended five servings of vegetables each day.
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