Many people struggle to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Researchers at Newcastle University therefore investigated whether simple support could help adults with low fruit and vegetable intake increase their consumption, SciTechDaily reports.
Four-week trial
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved 42 participants who, at the start of the study, consumed no more than two portions of fruit and vegetables per day. All participants received support to reach five portions daily.
One group ate only whole fruits and vegetables. The other group also received a daily glass of 100 percent fruit juice or a smoothie.
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No harmful effects
After four weeks, both groups had increased their fruit and vegetable intake. They also consumed more fibre, adding approximately 8 to 10 grams per day.
The researchers found no negative changes in the measured health indicators among those who drank juice or smoothies.
Lower depression scores
The key difference emerged when the researchers compared the two groups.
The group that received a daily glass of juice or a smoothie recorded lower depression scores than the group that consumed only whole fruits and vegetables.
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The difference was 2.52 points on a scale ranging from 0 to 27. The researchers described the result as modest but statistically significant.
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