Lower odds of anxiety found with more produce

If we made a list of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, it’s safe to say – it would be very long! From living longer and supporting the fight against chronic diseases to helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight, all forms of fruits and vegetables offer consistently positive nutrition benefits, but a new study suggests our produce friends can also help with anxiety.

In reviewing almost 27,000 participants, Canadian researchers identified a significant inverse relationship between a low daily intake of fruits and vegetables and high levels of anxiety.  Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, low intake was less than 3 servings a day and had a 24% higher risk of being diagnosed with anxiety!  They also noted that participants who ate pastries were more likely to have anxiety.  Researchers think this either reflects a response to feeling anxious AKA “comfort eating”, or alternatively, that the high fat foods cause inflammation in the gut, resulting in uneasy feelings.

Our #1 tip to increasing how many fruits and vegetables you eat each day is to have a variety on hand.  (And if fridge space is at a premium – this list has you covered). Get your 7-10 servings a day with us!

• Hardy fruits and veg keep well at room temperature – think bananas, oranges, apples, sweet potatoes, squash and onions
• Dried fruits without added sugar such as raisins, prunes, mango or pineapple pieces
• Canned items in 100% fruit juice are an awesome pantry staple that make for a quick snack or meal when paired with cottage cheese.  Don’t forget your unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin puree and other veggies!
• Frozen items are a prep-free and waste-free way to add nutrition to soups or pastas.
• Don’t forget nuts and legumes such as walnuts, lentils, chickpeas that have also been shown to reduce inflammation and provide essential vitamins and minerals!

Your Dole Team