Another reason why they're good for you
Edith
Cowan University
Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with less stress, according to new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU).
The
study examined the link between fruit and vegetable intake and stress levels of
more than 8,600 Australians aged between 25 and 91 participating in the
Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study from Baker Heart and
Diabetes Institute.
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 Ms Radavelli-Bagatini.
A growing issue
Mental
health conditions are an increasing problem in Australia and around the world.
Around one in two Australians will experience a mental health issue in their
lifetime. Globally, approximately 1 in 10 people live with a mental health
disorder.
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 Ms
Radavelli-Bagatini.
The
benefits of a healthy diet are well known, but only 1 in 2 Australians eat the
recommended two serves of fruit per day and fewer than 1 in 10 eat the
recommended five serves 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 Ms 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, Ms 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 ECU’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.
For
more information on ECU’s nutrition research, visit the Institute for Nutrition Research webpage.
