Can Happiness be found in the Produce Department?!
It sure can be, Reader! The benefits of fruits and veggie extend well beyond their nutrition profiles. Research suggests eating more fruits and veggies can help improve happiness, satisfaction, and emotional well-being. There is joy in the sweet-tasting eating experience of fruit, and smart satisfaction associated with the success of preparing vegetables.
Each bite of an apple or crunch of a carrot is helping more than just your heart, it can help your mental health too! Those fruits and vegetables may also be keeping you happy, chill, and able to think and remember clearly. For example, research into the role of our dietary habits in the development of depression has taken off in recent years. Large studies that observe people and their diets show that a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of depression. Another research group found that low fruit and vegetable intake was linked with poor mental health status and having been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder. A cross-sectional European study found that the participants who reported eating more fruits and vegetables also were more likely to exhibit better mental health.
Research from the Produce for Better Health Foundation discovered that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables pointed to several physical, emotional, and social benefits including pride in their choices, feeling good in their day-to-day activities, alleviation of physical illness, and confidence in their future health. Aiming for at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday can help you see some of these benefits!
Join me tonight at 7:30pm EST in the Thriving with Heart Disease Facebook Group to discuss produce's powers on our happiness scale and what fruits and veggies you want at the top of your list.
Hope to see you there, and have a happy and healthy Wednesday!
Heather Shasa
Registered Dietitian and Heart Health Coach
RDN@weldingwellness.com
P.S. Looking to connect with fellow heart warriors, ask questions, and learn some heart-healthy tips and tricks? Then, I'd love for you to join my FREE Facebook Group: Thriving with Heart Disease
Hi! I'm a Registered Dietitian and Heart Health Coach.
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