Scientists have found that an abundance of fruits and vegetables in the diet reduces the risk of psychological stress, especially in middle-aged women.
In the light of the data obtained, leading Western nutritionists recommend the fair sex to include in the menu up to seven herbal dishes daily..
According to the American Psychological Association,? US adults have reported at least one symptom of stress (irritability, anger, nervousness, anxiety) in the past month.
Meanwhile, stress affects not only mental but also physical health.. Recently published study linked chronic stress to diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes.
Of course, with the modern pace of life, stress cannot always be avoided.. Lack of money, conflicts with bosses, family troubles, illness - a black streak can follow for a long time.
Believe it or not, simple dietary changes can protect a woman's body from stress and its devastating effects.. At least that's what Binh Nguyen, a research fellow at the University of Sydney in Australia, is convinced of, and the author of a new study..
Details of Dr. Nguyen's work published in BMJ Open magazine.
The analysis included information about the health and lifestyle of 60.4 thousand men and women aged 45 and older. All of them took part in a large-scale project to study the health of middle-aged and older Australians, the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study..
The consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as the level of psychological stress of the participants were assessed in 2006, 2008 and 2010.. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Features of the diet - according to the results of the questionnaire.
Lovers of fruits and vegetables suffer from stress 23% less often.
Overall, eating 3-4 servings of plant-based foods daily was associated with a 12% reduction in the risk of psychological stress..
The effect was dose-dependent - the more fruits and vegetables, the better.
When scientists calculated the results separately for women and men, they were surprised: for the fairer sex, a plant-based diet was many times more useful.
Women who ate just 2 servings of fruits and vegetables a day suffered from stress 16% less often. Accordingly, for 3-4 servings this figure was 18%, for 5-7 servings - as much as 23%!
In light of the findings, leading American and Australian nutritionists advise women to focus on plant foods.. Besides the obvious benefits of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, you strengthen the nervous system.. Everyone understands how important it is for women 45+.
According to Dr. Nguyen himself, modern dietary recommendations do not meet the real needs of the human body.. The researcher believes that plant foods should form the basis of our daily diet.. It is so laid down by evolution, and so it is healthier..
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