Fruit against depressions

18-9-2026

It is generally known that fruit is good for bodily health, but it is less well known that fruit is also good for mental health. World-wide the interest in the relation between fruit consumption and mental health is growing. One of the reasons is a growing number of scientific studies that make a connection between a higher fruit consumption and a lower risk of complaints of depression.

Fruit contains a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, fibres and other bioactive substances and these could possibly have a positive effect on brain function and wellbeing, the research showed. It is possible that intestinal flora also plays an important part in this. Some studies suggest that a regular fruit consumption is linked to fewer depressive symptoms and a stronger feeling of wellbeing.

This development offers new opportunities to the fruit and vegetable sectors. Consumers are looking more and more often to food as a way of supporting both their physical and mental health. As a result, attention is shifting from fruit as a purely heathy snack to fruit as part of a broader wellbeing strategy.

However, experts do stress that fruit is no replacement for professional treatment of psychological complaints. However, it is possible for a dietary pattern with sufficient fruit to contribute to a healthy lifestyle and it can possibly help to limit the risks of mental health problems. (Source: European Fruit Magazine EFM)