Kiwifruit Can Boost Mood and Energy, Study Suggests
It’s true. Certain foods have the ability to improve our mood and energy levels. In a new study, researchers at University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) found that eating two kiwifruits a day could significantly reduce symptoms of fatigue and depression.
The study involved 54 normally-healthy young male students who generally eat little fresh fruits and whose vitamin C levels are lower than desirable. They were given either two kiwifruits or half a kiwi a day, for over 6 weeks. Those who ate two kiwifruits experienced less fatigue and depression than those who ate just a small amount. Furthermore, they also reported an increase in their energy levels.
According to the researchers, the changes might be related to the optimising of vitamin C intake by eating two kiwifruits. Kiwi is among the best food sources of vitamin C which is also known as the “mother of all vitamins”.
Professor Margreet Vissers, the study lead author from the UOC’s Centre for Free Radical Research, said that eating two kiwifruit per day ensures that a person’s vitamin C levels were optimal – which was needed to see an effect on mood and energy. “Our study provides good evidence to support the view that there are measureable health benefits to be obtained from eating a good amount of fruit and vegetables daily. For best benefit, it is important to include high vitamin C foods in your daily diet." she added.
Prof Vissers explained that vitamin C helps activate a number of enzymes in the body that enhance the metabolic energy levels, as well as the neurochemicals in the brain. This implies that taking more vitamin C could decrease feelings of fatigue and increase physical and mental energy.
The new findings, which were published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, are part of an ongoing large study on the role of vitamin C to human health.
Other health benefits of Kiwi
The health benefits of kiwi don’t end with there. Here are some more:
Disease Prevention – kiwi provides 16% of the daily recommended fibre intake which has a role in the prevention of constipation and some types of cancer. It also contains phytonutrients which repair DNA damage. Phytonutrients also function as an antioxidant which helps eliminate disease-causing free radicals in the body.
Vitamin source – aside from vitamin C, kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin E which helps lower the risk of heart disease, and folic acid that aids in red blood cell production and is essential in the health of expectant mums.
Mineral source – kiwi has plenty of minerals – calcium, copper, chromium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc which are all needed in different bodily functions.
Source of this article:
©Copyright 2013 by http://www.naturaltherapyforall.com Acupuncture Leeds All Rights Reserved .