Do you like fruit? If so, know that in addition to being a source of vitamin C, a certain fruit is also a powerful mood booster, according to the results of a recent study.
Rich in vitamin C, kiwi is a fruit very popular with young and old alike. This fruit, in addition to its health benefits, could have a role in boosting our mood, as demonstrated by scientists at the University of Otago, in New Zealand.
Is there a link between mood and vitamin C?
In this study, researchers wanted to understand how improvements in mood occur after the introduction of vitamin C supplements into the diet. They therefore followed 155 people by offering them vitamin C supplementation for eight weeks.
To compare their results, they split the volunteers into groups: some took a daily vitamin C supplement, others a placebo or two kiwis. They then collected data regarding their vitality, mood, fulfillment, quality and quantity of sleep and physical activity using online surveys.
Mood booster fruits
Results: Researchers found that kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14 to 16 days. It also improved development from the 14th day.
Vitamin C, on the other hand, slightly improved participants’ moods until the 12th day. “It’s great for people to know that small changes to their diet, like adding kiwifruit, could make a difference to how they feel every day.” exclaims Professor Tamlin Conner, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago.
Vitamin C to improve mental health
In this study, vitamin C intake was associated with improved mood, vitality, well-being and a lower risk of depression. Conversely, vitamin C deficiency has been associated with greater depression and cognitive disorders.
“Our participants had relatively good mental health to begin with, so little room for improvement, but still reported benefits from the kiwi or vitamin C interventions,” notes the lead author of this work, Dr. Ben Fletcher, who encourages a “holistic nutrition and well-being, integrating various nutrient-rich foods into one’s diet“.
Slide: Top 25 foods richest in vitamin C
