Fruit and vegetables have been shown to have a number of health effects. These effects include protection from diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. In addition, regular consumption of a range of fruits and vegetables has been shown to be beneficial to mental health and can significantly improve well being. This may relate to the general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of fruits and vegetables. A number of plant foods have also been shown to have specific effects against mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In one study bananas were shown to be negatively associated with depression in Chinese adults. Therefore the higher the banana consumption, the lower the risk of depression. It was unclear if this association was causal, but it is known that bananas contain significant amounts of carbohydrate and are a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, both of which have been shown to elevate mood and prevent the development of low mood.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, protect Yourself
RdB
