Recently, Peruvian researchers published a study in the academic journal PLOS ONE, showing a connection depression levels and fruit and vegetables.
The researchers analyzed the depressive symptoms and fruit–vegetable consumption of nearly 26,000 participants from 25 regions around Peru. They split the participants into 3 groups, based on their fruit and vegetable consumption levels.
They discovered that the third of participants with the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption had a greater prevalence of depressive symptoms when compared to the third with the highest consumption. Also, interestingly, the association between depression and produce consumption appeared to be stronger with fruits than with vegetables alone.
Shockingly, the study also found that only 5% of the participants consumed the levels of fruits and vegetables recommended by the World Health Organization. Not only does this study recognize the importance of fresh produce in maintaining mental health, but it highlights how important it is for people to have access to healthy food.
This is one more study in a growing body of research showing a connection between what we eat and our mental health.