SHOW SIDEBAR
healthy fruits vegetables

How Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Can Make You Happier

Recent research from Australia reveals a surprising benefit to eating more fruits and vegetables—enhanced happiness. The study, which surveyed over 12,000 people about their fruit and vegetable consumption in 2007 and again in 2009, found a significant link between increased servings of produce and greater life satisfaction.

Key Findings from the Study

Researchers discovered that each additional serving of fruits and vegetables was associated with a slight increase in happiness. For example, someone who ate two more servings of fruit daily in 2009 compared to 2007 reported a happiness increase of about 0.07 points on a 10-point scale.

Though this might sound small, the researchers calculated that someone who went from eating no fruits or vegetables to consuming eight servings per day would experience a 0.24-point increase in happiness. To put this into perspective, this happiness boost is similar to the effect of going from being unemployed to employed.

What’s Behind the Happiness Boost?

While researchers aren’t entirely sure why fruits and vegetables seem to boost happiness, they believe the nutrients in these foods could play a key role. Here are a few possibilities:

  • B Vitamins: Found in foods like spinach, Brussels sprouts, and oranges, B vitamins are linked to the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood.
  • Carotenoids: These antioxidants, which give foods like carrots and tomatoes their vibrant color, have been associated with increased optimism.

The Bottom Line: Aim for 8 Servings a Day

Even if you're already eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables, increasing your intake could provide an additional mood boost. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for eight servings of fruits and vegetables per day—one serving equals about half a cup of fresh, frozen, or canned produce.

So, if you're looking for a simple way to boost your happiness, reaching for more fruits and veggies might be a good place to start!

SHARE: