Eating kiwi fruit can lift you out of a low mood within just four days, a study has revealed.
The green soft fruit has a high vitamin C content, which has long been known to improve well-being.
But now researchers believe the fruit provides us with a faster and longer-lasting boost than vitamin C supplements.
The team, from the University of Otago, New Zealand, conducted an eight-week dietary intervention of 155 adults with low vitamin C.
Participants took either a vitamin C supplement, placebo, or two kiwi fruit daily then reported their vitality, mood, sleep quality and physical activity via smartphone surveys.
The results, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, showed that kiwi fruits improved vitality and mood within four days, with the effect of the boost peaking at around 14-16 days.
Vitamin C supplements, on the other hand, marginally improved mood until day 12.
Lead author Dr Ben Fletcher added: ‘This helps us see that what we eat can have a relatively fast impact on how we feel.’
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
