Eat vegetables, Be happy

An association between the amount of fruit and vegetables people ate and their happiness? Yes indeed. People who ate 7 portions of fruits and/or vegetables a day were the happiest.

Fruits and Vegetables: Seven-A-Day for Happiness and Mental Health

Happiness and mental health are highest among people who eat seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to a new report.

They found mental wellbeing appeared to rise with the number of daily portions of fruit and vegetables people consumed. Wellbeing peaked at seven portions a day.

The study does not distinguish among different kinds of fruits and vegetables and it defines a portion as approximately 80 grams.

... much remained to be learned about cause-and-effect and about the possible mechanisms...

I'm game. Let's see if I can eat seven 80 gram portions of vegetable matter daily for a week, and if I'm happier. For sure I won't be constipated. My gram scale will get some use. Maybe just paying so much attention to diet takes your mind off of your problems.

Tags: diet, fruit, happiness, vegetables

Views: 57

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Breman on October 10, 2012 at 1:45pm

I have been on Paleo diet (with some small changes) since January, so I am at about that intake of fruit and vegetables. I feel wonderful about it and wouldn't change this lifestyle for anything - I worry less, even if I'm very busy; I'm more energetic; less prone to depression; viruses and infections can get me of course but I'm better in a third of the time. 

Trying this will be a pleasant surprise for you Ruth! Perhaps you'd better eat less bread, cheese and milk, or you won't be able to eat the vegetables.   

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on October 13, 2012 at 4:58pm

I am doing the Paleo Diet too - I feel much better.

Permalink Reply by B Brion on October 10, 2012 at 3:14pm

Makes sense, I noticed I get cranky and feel blah when I haven't eaten my greens for a couple of days. 

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on October 11, 2012 at 12:38pm

I've been a vegan for some time for purely heart-health reasons (i.e. not for animal rights) and I will say that I did feel a noticeable change in my energy levels within 2 weeks of the change.  I am a strong proponent of a vegan diet ... but mostly for people with health issues.  

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on October 13, 2012 at 4:45pm

So perhaps I should give the 7 servings a day a two week trial.

Permalink Reply by Pamela on October 14, 2012 at 8:47am

I've been vegan for over 4 years now and I'm definitely healthier AND happier!  If I'm feeling off, like I'm getting a cold I make sure I get even moredark leafy greens than usual.  I became vegan for health reasons but after reading up on the subject I'm in it for the animals and the environment as well.  Since I don't think humans are something other than animals (or were given domain over them by the great sky fairy), I can no longer imagine killing or enslaving them for my own selfish purposes.  Since I don't NEED animal products to be healthy...I haveno reason to use them.  I tell people I am a "whole food vegan" to distinguishfrom people who eat vegan junk food and are purely animal rights activists.  Oreos are technically vegan and you can eat a crappy vegan diet based on processed "mock meats" and sweets.  I focus on the all important vegetable.  Especially dark leafy greens.  I eat fruits, vegetables, beans/legumes, and whole grains most of the time.  I DO have an occasional vegan cupcake (just as fattening as a regular one) from a local vegan bakery.  I used to weigh 230 lbs and was on BP meds.  Now I'm off all medication and down to 153.  And I feel GREAT!!

Permalink Reply by Chris Breman on October 14, 2012 at 9:44am

Have you started already, Ruth? How do you feel?

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