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
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