The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust has teamed up with GP, Dr
Dane Rua to highlight the vital link between nutrition and
mental health, sharing simple ways in which whānau can
support their wellbeing with fresh fruit and
vegetables.
Our levels of stress are at an all-time
high with mental health services stretched to breaking point
and many whānau looking for ways to support their mental
wellbeing.
Dr Rua, a 5+A Day Charitable Trust partner,
says that while many factors can contribute to feeling low
or stressed, we sometimes forget the importance of healthy
kai to our brains and bodies.
“Getting your
recommended five or more servings of colourful, fresh
vegetables and two servings of fruit every day offers a real
boost to both the body and the mind,” he
says.
“Fresh produce is packed with a range of
anti-inflammatories and antioxidants that contribute to good
mental health at any age.”
Good nutrition is
particularly important for growing bodies and minds and Dr
Rua notes that it’s never too early to start looking after
the mental health of our tamariki.
“Research shows
that mental health issues can start before adulthood, and
one of the ways we can support our tamariki is by making
sure they eat meals and snacks that are high in nutritional
value.
“Take simple steps to serve up fruit and
vegetables instead of processed foods. Try adding some
sliced kiwifruit to their breakfast, a few baby carrots to
their lunch, and roast kūmara to their dinner for healthy
little minds and bodies,” suggests Dr Rua.
Good
nutrition doesn’t just support the mental health of the
youngest members of the household.
“The close
connection between our gut and brain and the importance of
our digestive system means what we eat influences how we
feel. Research into this complex area highlights just how
important our diet is to our emotional state,” says Dr
Rua.
“When you’re feeling low or stressed, take a
moment to reflect on the fuel your body is running on. If
it’s a diet high in sugar and processed food, swap in
those recommended servings of fruit and vegetables to give
yourself a natural boost of energy and
nutrition.”
5+ A Day Project Manager, Carmel Ireland
says that shopping in season is the best way to add fruit
and vegetables to every meal.
“Seasonal fruit and
vegetables not only provide the highest nutritional value
but are also the most affordable. And it’s a great idea to
use as much of the produce as you can – there’s lots of
nutritional value stored in the skin and stems of your fruit
and vegetables,” says Ireland.
“If you’re
wondering where to start, or how to choose the best fruit
and vegetables to support the mental health and wellbeing of
your whānau, take a look at the 5+ A Day website, www.5aday.co.nz, and our
social media channels which have lots of tips, recipes and
ideas,” she says.
About 5+ A
Day
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust was
established in 2007 for the benefit of all Kiwis, especially
children. The Trust is committed to increasing the
consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables for better health
in all New Zealanders. We encourage all Kiwis to eat five or
more servings of colourful, fresh vegetables and two
servings of fruit every day for health and vitality. Our key
messages are in line with our Ministry of Health and the
World Health Organisation’s recommendations. The 5+ A Day
Charitable Trust is funded by voluntary contributions from
New Zealand’s pan produce
industry.
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