What is a happy life in your mind? I think that everyone defines happiness in their own way – and everyone wants to be happy. Scientists have been researching the phenomenon of happiness for a long time, coming up with ways to measure it, trying to figure out how to become happy. Another study on this topic, recently published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reveals interesting findings from scientists who have found a relationship between our diet and feelings of happiness!
Scientists in New Zealand have found a link between consuming large amounts of fruits and vegetables and various components of a “happy life”, which are collectively defined by the concept of “eudaemonic well-being” (eudaemonic well-being).
“The results show that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a variety of aspects of human prosperity, and it is not just a feeling of happiness,” said the research team led by psychologist Tamlin Conner of the University of Otago.
The study involved 405 people who regularly kept a diary for 13 days. Each day, they recorded the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, desserts, and various potato dishes they ate.
They also filled out a questionnaire every day, with the help of which it was possible to analyze the degree of their creative development, interests and psychological state. Specifically, they were required to score statements such as “Today with interest in my day-to-day activities,” on a scale of one to seven (from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”). Participants also answered additional questions designed to determine their general emotional state on a particular day.
Result: People who ate more fruits and vegetables during the specified 13-day period had a higher degree of interest and involvement, creativity, positive emotions, and their actions were more meaningful and purposeful.
Even more striking, participants tended to score higher on all scales on days when they ate more fruits and vegetables.
“We cannot conclude that the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and eudaimonic well-being is causal or direct,” the researchers say. As they explain, it is possible that it was the positive thinking, engagement and awareness that made people eat healthier foods.
However, “what is happening can be explained by the content of useful microelements in the products,” the authors of the experiment suggest. – Many fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which is an important co-factor in the production of dopamine. And dopamine is a neurotransmitter that underlies motivation and promotes engagement. “
In addition, the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of depression, the scientists added.
Of course, it’s too early to say that eating kale will make you happy, but the findings suggest that healthy eating and psychological well-being go hand in hand. Which in itself gives food for thought.