One of the primary necessities to emerge as a successful individual in life is our psychological well being. Also known as our ‘mental health’, it accounts for the proper functioning of our brain and helps us lead a stress-free life.
While one’s mental health can be boosted in a number of ways, scientists have come up with one that is easy, simple and logical.
According to a recent study, researchers have found that people who eat more uncooked food are less likely to go through depression and other mental issues than those who prefer sticking to cooked, canned and processed food.
More than 400 people in the 18-25 age bracket were asked about their intake of fruits and vegetables and also how they are prepared. The questions were followed by a screening process for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. On completion, there was a significant link found between the raw fruits and veggies and mental illnesses.
However, other factors like gender, exercise habits, overall diet, existing health conditions, ethnicity and the socioeconomic status were also taken into consideration. Even after analysing the factors, the scientists firmly believe that the outcomes are convincingly better for people who consume raw stuff.
The researchers have penned down a list of raw fruits and veggies for all of us which will certainly help our mental health. They are as follows:
- Carrots
- Bananas
- Apples
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Grapefruit
- Lettuce
- Citrus Fruits
- Fresh Berries
- Cucumber
- Kiwifruit
The study also pointed out a few raw veggies which do nothing but improve our mood. There are also some cooked and canned foods that do the same.
Raw vegetables that improve mood:
- Celery
- cabbage
- Red Onion
- Tomato
- Mushroom
Cooked and canned foods that improve mood:
- Pumpkin
- Mixed frozen veg
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Aubergine
Though there have been studies done on this topic in the past, this very study is of paramount importance. This is because it identifies the difference between raw and processed foods which hasn’t been done before.
The study said,
‘Raw fruits and vegetables may provide greater levels of micronutrients than processed fruits and vegetables, which could explain their stronger association with improved mental well-being.’
It concluded,
‘Cooking and canning would most likely lead to a degradation in nutrients, thereby limiting their beneficial impact on mental health.’
So now that you know what you need to have and what not, what’s your diet for the next day? 😛