A scientific study has shown a link between increased fruit consumption and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents, while higher consumption of sugary drinks was associated with an increase in these symptoms, highlighting the importance of healthy dietary habits during the growth stage.
The University of Sydney website reported on Monday that researchers from the university’s Matilda Centre for Mental Health Research examined the relationship between dietary habits and mental health in adolescents. The study results were published in the journal "Child and Adolescent Mental Health," which specializes in the mental health of children and adolescents.
Precise Statistical Results
The results showed that consuming one additional serving of fruit daily was associated with a 13 percent reduction in depression symptoms and a 7 percent reduction in anxiety symptoms. Meanwhile, higher consumption of sugary drinks was linked to an increase in these symptoms, without this necessarily implying a direct causal relationship between diet and mental health.
Importance of the Age Group
Researchers highlighted the importance of adolescence in establishing healthy habits, noting that a balanced diet, including fruit consumption and limiting sugar-rich drinks, represents an important aspect of general health care. They emphasized the need to consider social and environmental factors that may affect mental health.
Practical Recommendations
The study results underscore the importance of encouraging adolescents to follow a diverse diet and providing healthy options at home and in school. This supports their physical and psychological development and helps establish healthy lifestyle patterns from an early age.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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