Daily Glass of 100% Fruit Juice Could Help Support Mental Wellbeing, Study Finds
By Mental Health Correspondent
People who drink a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie as part of their 5-a-day could see benefits to their mental wellbeing, according to new research.
The study found adults who added fruit juice or smoothies to their diets alongside more fruit and vegetables reported lower depression scores after just four weeks.
Researchers worked with adults who were eating two or fewer portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Participants were given support to help them reach the recommended 5-a-day target, with one group also drinking a daily glass of fruit juice or a smoothie.
While both groups improved their diets, the juice group reported a noticeable improvement in mood.
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Fruit Juice Science Centre, adds to growing evidence linking diet and mental health.
Dr Courtney Neal, who carried out the research while at Newcastle University and is now based at University of Liverpool, said:
“While most people know eating 5-a-day can be good for your health, many people struggle to.
“We found that simple, cost-effective solutions, like drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie daily, could help people reach their 5-a-day, with potential benefits for mental wellbeing.”
Researchers said fewer than one in five UK adults currently meet the recommended fruit and vegetable targets.
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The trial involved 42 people and also found no negative effects on metabolic health among those drinking juice and smoothies during the four-week study.
Dr Oliver Shannon, lecturer in Nutrition and Ageing at Newcastle University, said:
“The finding that fruit juice drinkers had reduced depression scores is promising and worthy of further exploration, particularly in individuals experiencing poor mental wellbeing.”
The researchers said the results support further studies into how simple dietary changes may help support mental health.
