We live in a society devoted to stress. The frenetic pace it imposes on us can only worsen our state of health. Most people, however, try to find solutions in commonly used medications or supplements, but there seems to be a much simpler method: increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. This is suggested by new research conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU). The details of the study. Natural remedies for stress
The research examined the association between the stress levels of over eight thousand people and their consumption of fruit and vegetables. All the volunteers were aged between 25 and 91 and had participated in an Italian study on diabetes, obesity and lifestyle called AusDiab by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. The results showed that people who ate at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables per day had about 10% lower stress levels than those who consumed only 230 grams. It is important to note that the WHO recommends taking at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables reduce stress
“We found that people who eat more fruit and vegetables are less stressed than those with lower intakes, which suggests that diet plays a key role in mental well-being,” explains Simone Radavelli-Bagatini of the Institute for Nutrition Research in ECU. Mental health conditions are a growing problem in Australia and around the world. Statistics tell us that one in two people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. Globally, around 1 in 10 people live with a mental health disorder. “Long-term and unmanaged stress can lead to a number 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,” continues Radavelli-Bagatini. The professor is keen to point out that some stress is considered normal but long-term exposure can have a significant impact on mental health.The benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Although the benefits are well known, fewer than one in 10 people eat the recommended five servings of vegetables. ‘Previous studies have shown the link between fruit and vegetable consumption and stress in young adults, but this is the first time we’ve seen similar results in adults of all ages. The results of the study underline that it is important for people to have a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to potentially reduce stress, ”adds Radavelli-Bagatini. Food affects mood
«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. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the body are recognized factors that can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and lower mood. These findings encourage more research on diet and in particular on how fruits and vegetables provide the greatest mental health benefits, ‘the scientists conclude.
The results of the study were published in Clinical Nutrition. Scientific sources
Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Marc Sim, Richard L. Prince, Nicola P. Bondonno, Catherine P. Bondonno, Richard Woodman, Reindolf Anokye, James Dimmock, Ben Jackson, Leesa Costello, Amanda Devine, Mandy J. Stanley, Joanne M. Dickson, Dianna J. Magliano, Jonathan E. Shaw, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis. Fruit and vegetable intake is inversely associated with perceived stress across the adult lifespan. Clinical Nutrition, 2021; 40 (5): 2860 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.03.043
