Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents in 25 low- and middle-income countries.

Eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily may help ward off depression and anxiety in adolescents.

​This research work studied the correlation between the ingestion of fruits and vegetables and the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among adolescents in 25 countries. Researchers collated data on the rate of fruit and vegetable consumption and the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in 65,267 adolescents within the age bracket of 12-15 years who enrolled in the Global School-based Student Health Survey. 

Researchers discovered that the odds of suffering from depression and anxiety disorders jumped significantly in adolescents who consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day compared to their counterparts who ate higher amounts of these plant foods daily. This multi-national study provides additional evidence supporting the beneficial effects of high fruit and vegetable diet on the mental health of adolescents.