Vegetables fuel optimism


By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach

It's no easy feat to feel upbeat and optimistic given the terrible events around the world these past 18 months, but there is something we can do to feel more optimistic. The natural response is unlikely to consider eating more vegetables, but according to scientists, eating more vegetables is exactly what we should do to feel more optimistic.

Spring is a season for optimism. Despite what's happening in our world, nature continues with its natural life cycle. New produce like asparagus, broad beans, and mangoes from the Northern Territory have arrived in the markets, and accompanying the produce are spring flowers like jasmine and honeysuckle which fill the air with a perfume which, makes me feel like everything is going to be all right.
Spring is the season of hope. If we need anything right now, we need hope, hope that soon will finally end lockdown and the sparring between states, open the country and allow us to safely gather with family and friends, and travel to see our loved ones. We need some good news. We need optimism.

A study conducted by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that people who consume antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables on a regular basis are more optimistic about their life.
The study on 1,000 male and female participants, aged between 25 and 74, measured the blood concentrations of nine antioxidants found in fresh produce. During the assessment, the participants completed a questionnaire about their attitudes on life. The most optimistic participants each had up to 13 percent more concentrated antioxidants in their blood compared to those who were less optimistic. The scientists also found that the participants who consumed less than three servings of fruits and vegetables per day were considerably less optimistic than those who consumed more than three servings per day.

Beyond optimism, there are numerous other psychological benefits associated with eating fresh produce. A series of studies co-authored by Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown at the University of Warwick, showed that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables were least likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental issues. They also tended to be more satisfied with their lives.

And the more veggies you eat, the better it gets.
According to Professor Stewart - Brown, each additional portion of fresh produce increased the level of well-being.

So there you have it - it won't cure the pandemic, or wipe away the pain of the past 18 months, but it's a pain-free, affordable solution to help you feel a little better because where there's hope, there's a way!

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