If you are feeling low or sluggish, you might want to consider adding some kiwifruit to your diet. According to a new study, eating two kiwifruits a day can significantly improve your mood and vitality, as well as your mental well-being.In addition to boosting your mood, kiwifruit is also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. So not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be nourishing your body at the same time. It’s a win-win!
Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C, which is known to have various health benefits, such as enhancing immunity, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. However, the effects of vitamin C on psychological functioning are less clear. Previous studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting that vitamin C can improve mood and cognitive performance, while others finding no effect or even negative effects.
To investigate this further, a team of researchers from New Zealand and the UK conducted a randomized controlled trial with 167 young adults, aged 18 to 35. The participants were divided into three groups: one group received two kiwifruits a day for four weeks, another group received a vitamin C tablet (250 mg) a day for four weeks, and the third group received a placebo tablet a day for four weeks. The researchers measured the participants’ mood, vitality, and mental well-being at baseline, and then at four, eight, and 12 days after the intervention.
The results, published in the journal Nutrients, showed that the kiwifruit group had a significant improvement in mood and vitality, compared to the placebo group. The kiwifruit group also had a significant improvement in flourishing, which is a measure of positive psychological functioning, such as having a sense of purpose, optimism, and social support. The vitamin C group, on the other hand, had only a marginal improvement in mood until day 12, and no significant changes in vitality or flourishing.
The researchers speculated that the beneficial effects of kiwifruit might be due to more than just vitamin C. Kiwifruit also contains other nutrients, such as fiber, folate, potassium, and antioxidants, that may contribute to its mood-enhancing properties. Moreover, kiwifruit may have a psychological impact, as eating a fresh and tasty fruit can be a pleasant and rewarding experience.
The study has some limitations, such as the small sample size, the short duration, and the lack of objective measures of mood and well-being. However, the findings suggest that kiwifruit may be a simple and natural way to boost your mood and vitality, especially during stressful or challenging times.
Further research with larger and more diverse populations, longer intervention periods, and objective mood assessments is needed to confirm these preliminary results. Despite these limitations, the potential benefits of incorporating kiwifruit into one’s diet as a mood-enhancing strategy are promising and warrant further investigation. In the meantime, individuals may consider including kiwifruit as part of a balanced and nutritious diet to potentially support their mental well-being.
The next time you are feeling down or tired, why not grab a kiwifruit and enjoy its sweet and tangy flavor? You might be surprised by how much better you feel.Kiwifruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that can help boost your mood and energy levels. With its vibrant green color and juicy flesh, a kiwifruit is a refreshing pick-me-up that can brighten your day in an instant.
Related posts:
A kiwifruit a day can keep bad mood away? | Mint Lounge
Mental Health Boosted in Just Days by Eating Kiwifruit – Newsweek
Why Eating Kiwi May Improve Your Well-being – Verywell Health
