That fruit is healthy, we all know. But that it can also make you very happy: that, of course, is doubly fruit-tastic! Fruit doesn’t just work optimally for your physical health. On a psychological level too, this natural snack works wonders.
1. Feel happy thanks to antioxidants
Your body gets various minerals and antioxidants from fruit. And natural sugars. These provide a real energy boost. Take a banana: packed with natural sugars that give you long-lasting energy. A banana is also good for blood pressure because it contains potassium. About 11% of the amount of dietary fibre we take in comes from fruit. Especially small red fruits, such as forest fruits, contain many antioxidants that are good for your body. One of the important antioxidants in fruit are carotenoids. You can find this natural, orange colouring in oranges, for example. Carotenoids contain a lot of b-carotene, which is also found in vitamin A. The substance is fat-soluble, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research shows that optimistic people have more carotenoids in their blood. This proves once again: fruit is not only healthy, it also makes you happy!
2. Fruit motivates at work
‘Two pieces of fruit a day keeps the doctor away’ (and that psychologist).By eating at least 500 grams of fruit a day, you will reap the most of its benefits. Fruit is colourful and sweet-smelling (that already makes us happy!). It also boosts productivity, creativity and morale at work, reducing the risk of absenteeism. Research at the University of Warwick suggests that fruit is even more likely to make you feel happier than it is to improve your health. As far as we are concerned, a good motivation to grab that piece of fruit instead of that chocolate bar! So your daily portion of fruit makes you feel healthy and happy in the long run. Extra important: according to the same research, your feeling of satisfaction grows with each serving of fruit. So, eat lots of fruit and your happiness will never end!
3. Say goodbye to that depression!
Fruit has been proven to make us feel calmer and more energetic. This is due to serotonin. This substance contributes to our feeling of happiness, which actually makes fruit a natural antidepressant. You feel more comfortable and healthy, which helps you beat stress and depression. Eating healthy food keeps your brain working optimally and hormone production in balance. This boosts serotonin levels in your brain; you feel better mentally. Dejected feelings and anxiety are reduced. So sufficient serotonin production in the brain is definitely important for that positive vibe at the office. Hello happy feelings and goodbye burn-out!
So … bring on that fruit in the office!
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