Worldsfeed Health Desk: Discover the potential mood-boosting benefits residing in your fruit bowl. Incorporating kiwifruit into your daily diet may enhance vitality and mental well-being within a mere four days.
While vitamin C is often associated with oranges and citrus fruits, kiwifruit stands out as a potent contender, containing nearly double the amount of vitamin C per serving compared to an orange. A recent study, featured in the British Journal of Nutrition and conducted by New Zealand researchers, delved into the impact of kiwi consumption on mood.
In just four days of consuming two kiwis daily, participants experienced noticeable enhancements in mood, self-esteem, optimism, and purpose, reaching a peak after two weeks. Professor Tamlin Conner, co-author and psychology professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand, expressed the significance of small dietary changes, such as adding kiwifruit, in positively influencing daily well-being.
The researchers attribute these mood changes in part to the high vitamin C content in kiwifruit. Previous studies have linked vitamin C intake to improved mood, vitality, overall well-being, and lower rates of depression. Conversely, vitamin C deficiency has been associated with higher rates of depression and cognitive impairment.
The study divided 155 participants into three groups: those receiving a daily 250mg vitamin C tablet supplement, those consuming two SunGold kiwifruits, and those given a placebo tablet. At the study’s conclusion, both the vitamin C and kiwifruit groups reported mood improvements, with the kiwifruit group also noting enhanced self-perceived success.
Ben Fletcher, who conducted the research as part of his Ph.D. at Otago, emphasized the rapid impact of dietary choices on mood. While vitamin C tablet users experienced improvements, the most significant effects were observed in those consuming whole kiwifruits. This suggests that additional nutrients in the whole fruit may contribute to mental well-being.
Fletcher concluded by advocating for a holistic approach to nutrition and well-being, urging individuals to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into their diets for overall health benefits.
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