A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition explored the impact of consuming kiwifruit and vitamin C on mood and the speed of improvements. The study revealed that participants who consumed kiwifruit experienced improved mood after just four days. The effect on vitality and mood was slightly stronger than those who received vitamin C supplements alone, emphasizing the potential mental health benefits of obtaining vitamin C from whole food sources.
Kiwifruit, known for its high vitamin C content along with fiber, potassium, and vitamin E, has been linked to various health benefits. Vitamin C, a crucial nutrient for immune system function and wound healing, plays a role in mental health. Previous studies have suggested that vitamin C supplements and vitamin-C-rich fruits can contribute to mood improvement.
In this study, participants were divided into three groups: one receiving a daily vitamin C supplement, the second consuming two kiwifruits daily, and the third taking a daily placebo tablet. Surveys conducted every other day collected data on energy, fatigue, mood, flourishing, sleep quality and quantity, and physical activity levels. Participants consuming kiwifruit experienced mood and vitality improvement around the fourth day and flourishing improvement around the 14th day.
The findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating kiwifruit into the diet for mental well-being and emphasize the importance of measuring real-time mood changes frequently in daily life during intervention trials to understand patterns and timeframes of change.
