Want to be happier? Forget 5 fruit and veg a day, go for 8!

Whilst it is well established that eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of many diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease, until now little research has been carried out into the effects of the consumption of fruit and vegetables on psychological well being. Recent research indicates that eating more fruit and vegetables can substantially increase people’s later happiness levels. It seems that happiness benefits can be detected for every extra portion of fruit or veg eaten each day, up to 8 portions. The psychological benefits of eating fruit and veg seem to pay off much more quickly than their effects on cancer and other degenerative diseases where the pay off may take years to manifest (1).

1. 1. Mujcic R, Oswald A. “Evolution of well-being and happiness after increases in the consumption of fruit and vegetables” American Journal of Public Health. August 2016, Vol 106, No. 8