Consuming kiwis is a very effective way to improve mood and overall vitality. These benefits become apparent after just a few days of consumption.
A new study involving experts from the University of Otago examined the mood changes caused by consuming kiwifruit and vitamin C supplements. The results are published in the “British Journal Of Nutrition”.
Vitamin C protects against depression
Kiwis are rich in healthy vitamin C and other valuable nutrients. Vitamin C is known to increase well-being and is associated with a lower risk of depression, according to the researchers. Conversely, a lack of vitamin C can increase depression and cognitive impairment.
To date, however, there have been only a few studies on how quickly mood and well-being improve by taking vitamin C supplements or whole foods.
Nutritional interventions examined
In an eight-week nutritional intervention with a total of 155 participants who suffered from mild vitamin C deficiency, the team tried to find out how quickly taking a vitamin C supplement, a placebo or two kiwis daily affects mood.
The experts used a survey on the participants’ smartphones to determine vitality, mood, well-being, sleep quality, sleep quantity and physical activity.
Consuming kiwis improves mood
It was found that consuming two kiwis daily over a period of just four days was associated with a significant improvement in vitality and mood. The peak of the mood improvement was reached after around 14 to 16 days, the researchers report.
A dietary supplement with vitamin C, on the other hand, only led to a slight improvement in mood up to the twelfth day of intake.
Diet has a strong influence on mood
According to study author Dr. Ben Fletcher’s results show that diet can influence mood relatively quickly. The study results also contribute to better knowledge about the possible benefits of foods and dietary supplements containing vitamin C for mental health.
“Our participants had relatively good mental health from the start and therefore had little room for improvement, but still reported the benefits of kiwifruit or vitamin C interventions,” the expert adds in a press release.
Also read:
- Nutrition: Kiwis offer these health benefits
- Eating kiwis with the peel: Health benefits, but not for everyone
Whole foods more effective than dietary supplements
Although a dietary supplement with vitamin C slightly improved mood, the study results underline the possible synergistic effects of consuming whole foods such as kiwis, the researchers added.
This makes it clear that it is particularly beneficial for well-being to ensure regular consumption of kiwis as part of a healthy diet instead of relying on taking a vitamin C tablet. (as)
