More veges can boost vitality in just two weeks

Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables can make a difference to feelings of psychological well-being in just two weeks, according to new research.

A small University of Otago study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, shows young adults who were given two extra fruit and vegetable servings per day self-reported improvements  in vitality, curiosity, creativity and motivation measures, the study abstract says.

But a second group of study participants who were given text reminders and vouchers to buy fruit and vegetables showed no improvement.

Providing young adults with high-quality fruit and vegetables, rather than reminding them to eat more is potentially more effective for improving psychological well-being, the researchers conclude.

In a University of Otago press release lead researcher Tamlin Conner says it’s encouraging participants reported improved feelings of well-being in just two weeks.

“The message from this study is we should be giving people more fruits and vegetables to eat, not simply reminding people to eat their 5+ a day,” Dr Conner says.

The study was a small randomized controlled trial of just 171 participants, so more investigation is needed.

Related link

Let them eat fruit! The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on psychological well-being in young adults: A randomized controlled trial – PLOS ONE. 

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