According to nutritional wisdom, an apple a day can help keep your body healthy. Now researchers say it can also improve your state of mind. A team from the psychology department at the University of Otago in New Zealand asked 281 young people to complete a 21-day online food diary. At the end of the trial period, those who ate plenty of fruit and vegetables reported feeling calmer, happier and more energised. Those who ate junk food reported no difference in mood.
Head researcher Dr Tamlin Conner said: ‘On days when people ate more fruits and vegetables, they reported feeling calmer, happier and more energetic than they normally did.’
‘After further analysis we demonstrated that young people would need to consume approximately seven to eight total servings of fruits and vegetables per day to notice a meaningful positive change.’
One serving of fruit or vegetables is approximately the size that could fit in your palm, or half a cup.
