Gone are the days when an apple a day kept the doctor away! According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, New Zealand scientists have discovered that consuming kiwi fruit can significantly improve one's mood in as little as four days.
Lead by Tamlin Conner, a psychology professor at the University of Otago, the study highlights the remarkable impact of adding kiwifruit to one's diet. Conner remarks, "It's great for people to know that small changes in their diet, like adding kiwifruit, could make a difference in how they feel every day."
The mental health benefits attributed to kiwi consumption are attributed to its high levels of vitamin C, which are known to enhance mood and vitality.
To test the purported mood-boosting effects of kiwi, the researchers conducted a dietary experiment involving 155 adults with vitamin C deficiencies. Over eight weeks, participants were assigned to one of three groups: a placebo group, a group receiving a 250mg vitamin C supplement, and a group consuming two kiwis daily. They were then asked to report on various aspects of their well-being, including mood, vitality, sleep quality, and physical activity.
The results were promising. Both the vitamin C group and the kiwi eaters reported improved moods, with the latter group also experiencing an increase in self-perceived success. What's more, participants consuming kiwi reported feeling enhanced vitality and mood within just four days, with peak effects observed around 14-16 days.
Dr. Ben Fletcher, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Our participants had relatively good mental health to begin with so had little room for improvement, but still reported the benefits of kiwifruit or vitamin C interventions."
The mental health benefits of kiwi were attributed to its rich vitamin C content, particularly in the SunGold variety, which contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges and strawberries on an edible flesh-weight basis.
In conclusion, this study underscores the rapid impact that dietary changes can have on mental well-being. As Dr. Fletcher advises, "We encourage a holistic approach to nutrition and well-being, incorporating various nutrient-rich foods into your diet." So, next time you're looking for a mood boost, consider reaching for a kiwi instead of an apple!
