7 a Day for Happiness and Brain Health

7 a day for Happiness and Brain Health

Feeling happy and brain health appear to be connected. A recent study found that happiness increases as daily servings of fruits and vegetables increase.  Happiness was highest for people eating 7 servings a day!   

Researchers at the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College studied the eating habits of 80,000 people in Britain. The study results considered other things that can impact happiness, like how much money a person has, amount of exercise, and smoking habits. Even when controlling for the effects of these other happiness factors, people were still happiest after eating 7 servings of fruits and veggies a day.

What else does the brain need?

The brain needs lots of oxygen and good hydration from fluids like water and other drinks that do not cause dehydration, such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks containing caffeine and coffee.

The brain also needs the right amount of protein for cell development, including plant protein (beans, dried peas, lentils), and micronutrients, especially folate – found in green leafy vegetables, plus iron, iodine, and vitamins to function at its best.

  • Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients needed to maintain a sense of well-being and fight depression.
  • To keep your happy tank full, eat fruits and veggies that are packed with vitamins C, D, E and the B vitamins.
  • Minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help with stress and depression. 

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