Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with less stress, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.
The study examined the link between fruit and vegetable intake and stress levels of more than 8,600 people between the ages of 25 and 91.
The findings revealed people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables daily had 10 per cent lower stress levels than those who consumed less than 230 grams. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day.
Lead researcher, PhD candidate Simone Radavelli-Bagatini from ECU’s Institute for Nutrition Research, said the study strengthens the link between diets rich in fruit and vegetables and mental wellbeing.
“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,” said Radavelli-Bagatini.
A growing issue
Mental health disorders are an increasing problem in many parts of the world, effecting approximately 1 in 10 people.
According to Ms Radavelli-Bagatini, some stress is considered normal, but long-term exposure can significantly impact 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,” said Radavelli-Bagatini.
The benefits of a healthy diet are well known, but only 1 in 2 individuals eat the recommended two servings of fruit per day and fewer than 1 in 10 eat the recommended five servings of vegetables each day.
“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,” said Radavelli-Bagatini.
“The study’s findings emphasise that it’s important for people to have a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to potentially minimise stress.”
Food and mood
While the mechanisms behind how fruit and vegetable consumption influences stress are still unclear, Radavelli-Bagatini said 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 wellbeing,” she said.
“Inflammation and oxidative stress in the body are recognised factors that can lead to increased stress, anxiety and lower mood.”
“These findings encourage more research into diet and specifically what fruits and vegetables provide the most benefits for mental health.”
The research is part of Edith Cowan University’s recently launched Institute for Nutrition Research, which aims to investigate how nutrition can help prevent and treat chronic health conditions.
‘Fruit and vegetable intake is inversely associated with perceived stress across the adult lifespan’ was published in Clinical Nutrition.
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