This study examined 171 young adults who consumed 3 or fewer servings of fruit and vegetables per day and the impact on psychological well-being. The participants were randomly assigned to either the control group who ate their normal diet or one of two intervention groups. The ecological momentary intervention (EMI) group received text message reminders to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption plus a voucher to purchase fruit and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable intervention (FVI) group received two additional daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetable in addition to their normal diet.
Participants in the study recorded their mood throughout and blood samples of vitamin levels (vitamin C and carotenoids) were taken before and after the 14-day study.
The authors reported, “Only participants in the FVI condition showed improvements to their psychological well-being with increases in vitality, flourishing, and motivation across the 14-days relative to the other groups.” “These results provide initial proof-of-concept that giving young adults fresh fruit and vegetables to eat can have psychological benefits even over a brief period of time.”
Find the research paper here.
References;
Conner TS, Brookie KL, Carr AC, Mainvil LA, Vissers MC. Let them eat fruit! The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on psychological well-being in young adults: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0171206. Published 2017 Feb 3. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171206
