When You’re Feeling Down …

If you feel a blue mood coming on, don’t grab a tub of ice cream to make yourself feel better. Grab some fresh fruits and vegetables instead. The University of Otago in New Zealand recently published the results of a study that found regular consumption of raw fruits and vegetables significantly reduced symptoms of depression and improved feelings of positive mood, life satisfaction and well-being in test subjects. Canned, cooked and processed fruits and vegetables did not. Researchers also found the best raw fruits and vegetables to improve mental health are citrus fruits, fresh berries, cucumbers, kiwifruit, dark leafy greens (such as spinach), grapefruit, lettuce, bananas, carrots and apples.