A new study from the researchers of Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits is linked to less stress.
The study, published in Clinical Nutrition, examined the association between vegetable and fruit intake and stress levels in more than 8,600 Australians between the ages of 25 and 91.
The researchers found that people who ate at least 470 grams of vegetables and fruits daily had 10% lower stress levels than those who ate less than 230 grams.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, one should eat at least 400 grams of vegetables and fruits per day.
Lead researcher Simone Radavelli-Bagatini from ECU said the study strengthens the association between diets rich in vegetables and fruits and overall mental wellbeing.
She said, “We found that people who have higher fruit and veggie intakes are less stressed than those with lower intakes, which suggests diet plays a key role in mental wellbeing,”
Radavelli-Bagatini explained that some stress is considered normal, but prolonged exposure to stress could significantly affect your mental health.
“Long-term and unmanaged stress can lead to a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety so we need to find ways to prevent and possibly alleviate mental health problems in the future,” she explained.
Radavelli-Bagatini said, “Previous studies have shown the link between fruit and vegetable consumption and stress in younger adults, but this is the first time we’re seeing similar results across adults of all ages.”
“The study’s findings emphasize that it’s important for people to have a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to potentially minimize stress,” she added.
It is unclear how the consumption of fruits and vegetables influences stress, but Radavelli-Bagatini said key nutrients could be a factor.
She said, “Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing.”
“Inflammation and oxidative stress in the body are recognized factors that can lead to increased stress, anxiety and lower mood,” she continued. “These findings encourage more research into diet and specifically what fruits and vegetables provide the most benefits for mental health.” The article was published in Science Daily.
