Study shows link between fruit and vegetable intake and depression symptoms

High in dietary fiber, vitamins, and micronutrients

Research using four major international twin studies suggests that eating more fruit and vegetables can help reduce depression.

The data is unique in that it focuses on people over the age of 45, and has a long follow-up period, averaging 11 years.

Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety

The research team from the University of New South Wales obtained data from Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States.

According to Medical Express, the results revealed that eating more fruit and vegetables was associated with fewer symptoms of depression over time.

Twin data, like this study, provides a more accurate picture of what happens when you change one factor.

The importance of eating vegetables and fruits

The World Health Organization recommends eating 5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, and researchers noted that even for the data of participants who consumed the highest amount, their consumption of vegetables and fruits remained lower than recommended.

It was noted that the most depressed group was the one who consumed half the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits or less.

The most important results of the study

The researchers explained the beneficial relationship between eating fruits and vegetables and depression as being due to the high levels of dietary fiber, vitamins and micronutrients.

It appears that eating fruits and vegetables positively affects the composition of the gut microbiome and protects against oxidative damage to the brain.