Photo: Sonny Abesamis
Vegetables, as well as making us nutritionally healthy, could be making us happier too, according to new research from the University of Queensland.
Ausveg has welcomed the findings contained in the study (conducted by health economics researcher Dr Redzo Mujcic) that suggest consumption of significant quantities of vegetables could be linked to improved physical and mental health.
“Australian dietary authorities recommend average daily consumption rates to be at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables, but Dr Mujcic’s study recommends a daily consumption of five serves of both fruits and vegetables daily to achieve the best results for your mind and body,” said Ausveg spokesperson Tamara Ungar. “Ausveg has always promoted the value of a vegetable-rich diet and is pleased to see this study further justifying repeated calls for Australians to increase their vegetable consumption.
“Of some concern, the study also notes that average consumption levels of fruit and vegetables among Australian adults are generally lower than the recommended amount. We hope the results of this study encourage people to eat more Australian vegetables.”
Dr Mujcic’s study, which included the participation of over 12,000 participants, suggests that decision-makers and health professionals should be considering fruit and vegetable consumption as important within future policy strategies, when considering approaches to improve mental and physical health.
“In recent years, we have seen rising obesity and chronic health conditions associated with poor diets, exacerbated by a swing towards regular fast food takeaway consumption, and this is having a huge impact on overall health and well-being within Australian society,” said Ungar. “The nature of this study suggests credibility in incorporating the University of Queensland study results into a long-term strategy as part of a nationwide plan of action when it comes to consumer habits, and namely encouraging all Australians to eat more healthy foods and vegetable based meals.”
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