A healthy diet apparently also has a relaxing effect. According to an Australian study, stress levels can be significantly reduced by eating fruits and vegetables every day.
Not only important vitamins and minerals – those who include fruit and vegetables in their diet every day are also doing something good for their mental health. A study by Edith Cowan University (Australia) showed that around 470 grams of vegetables and fruit per day reduce the stress level by ten percent. The reason for this should be certain ingredients, such as flavonoids. These have been shown to have a positive effect on the psyche.
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Study with 8,600 men and women
The study examined the relationship between the consumption of fruit and vegetables and the stress level of 8,600 Australians between 25 and 91 years of age. The researchers discovered an interesting correlation during the evaluation: The results showed that people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables a day (roughly equivalent to the famous “5 a day rule”) experienced ten percent less stress than People who consumed less than 230 grams.
“We found that people with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables are less stressed than people with a lower intake. This indicates that diet plays a key role in psychological wellbeing, ”explains study director Dr. Simone Radavelli-Bagatini in the University announcement. The entire study report was published in the specialist magazine „Clinical Nutrition“ released.
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Stress as a globally growing problem
Mental illness is a growing problem worldwide. Experts assume that one in ten people struggle with more serious mental problems. The effects of the corona pandemic are also causing worryingly increasing rates. “Prolonged stress can lead to a variety of health problems. Including heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety disorders. We must therefore find ways to prevent and possibly alleviate mental health problems in the future, ”continues Radavelli-Bagatini. Earlier studies with younger adults had shown that fruit and vegetables could make an important contribution against stress and the like. The current results support this finding again.
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Some ingredients in fruits and vegetables appear to reduce stress
Although it has not yet been clarified in detail which factors are responsible for the stress-reducing effect, the scientist has an assumption: “Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus that can improve psychological well-being. ”If there is, on the other hand, a lack of it, this could have negative consequences for the psyche. Radavelli-Bagatini’s preliminary conclusion: “More research is urgently needed. Now is the time to find out which fruits and vegetables have the most mental health benefits. ”
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