We have long since known that fruits are great for your physical health. But new research from Aston University indicates that those who eat fruits frequently are more likely to report ‘greater positive mental well-being’ and less likely to report symptoms of depression than those who don’t. 

The study was conducted by the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University and surveyed 428 adults across the UK. It looked at their consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fried foods such as crisps and the impact these foods had on their overall mental health. 

The results found that the more often people ate fruits, the lower they scored on depression and higher on their overall mental wellbeing. In contrast, those who snacked on savories such as crisps had more ‘everyday mental lapses’ and reported lower mental wellbeing. These everyday mental lapses are also known as subjective cognitive failures. They can range from misplacing items to forgetting the names of common things. These mental lapses can reduce psychological health, according to the lead author of the study, Nicola Jane-Tuck. 

Tuck feels that both fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which promote brain health. But some of the nutrients in vegetables can be lost during cooking. With fruits, we tend to have them raw, which may explain why they have such an effect on mental health.

“It is possible that changing what we snack on could be a really simple and easy way to improve our mental wellbeing,” she adds.

Jaini Shah, the founder of Food Architect agrees. “The presence and appropriate production of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin enhances calmness, improves mood, and lessens depression. Dietary sources such as complex carbohydrates from cereals, fruits, legumes, and dairy lead to the production of serotonin. Fruits do contain many essential nutrients (Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, and anti-oxidants, to name a few) that play a role in maintaining and regulating mental health. However, it is important to eat them in balance and moderation.”

Jaini also points out that while fruits should be part of an overall, well-balanced diet, the study doesn’t mention the type of fruits, portions, and the frequency of consumption. “The article has also not included many other dependent factors, and the study sample size isn’t sufficient to conclude that alone increased intake of fruits could keep depression at bay.”

Final word, good food = good mood. Regular intake of balanced meals and other lifestyle factors help maintain better mental health.