Many apples a day…

Increased fruits and vegetables improves mood.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables can improve mood, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. Dietary data from 281 New Zealanders between the ages of 18 and 25 were collected over a 21-day period. The more fruits and vegetables the participants ate, the calmer, happier, and more energetic they felt. The authors noted the mood improvements followed the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and not vice versa. Investigators sought to expand on previous research that explored the association between eating unhealthful foods, such as sugary and fatty foods, and negative emotional states.

White BA, Horwath CC, Conner TS. Many apples a day keep the blues away – daily experiences of negative and positive affect and food consumption in young adults. Br J Health Psychol. Published ahead of print January 24, 2013.