May 26, 2026 07:13 PM
(This post was last modified: May 26, 2026 07:18 PM by C C.)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1129578
INTRO: People who drink a glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie each day as part of the UK’s 5-a-day healthy eating guidance see improvements in their mental wellbeing, according to new research from Newcastle University, UK.
In a new randomised controlled trial, adults with low intakes of fruit and vegetables were given support to increase their daily fruit and vegetable intake, with or without a glass of fruit juice or a smoothie, in order to meet the 5-a-day guideline.
After four weeks, both groups successfully boosted their fruit and vegetable intake but the group of people who added in fruit juice reported a reduction in depression scores.
The results, peer-reviewed and published in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Fruit Juice Science Centre, add to growing evidence that simple, practical dietary changes can support mental health.
Dr Courtney Neal who completed the study while at Newcastle University and is now at the University of Liverpool said: “While most people know eating 5-a-day can be good for your health, many people struggle to.
“Our trial showed that when people with low fruit and vegetable intake were provided with targeted financial and educational support to address common barriers to eating 5-a-day, they were able to make meaningful changes to their diet. We found that simple, cost-effective solutions, like drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie daily, could help people reach their 5-a-day, with potential benefits for mental wellbeing.” (MORE - details)
INTRO: People who drink a glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie each day as part of the UK’s 5-a-day healthy eating guidance see improvements in their mental wellbeing, according to new research from Newcastle University, UK.
In a new randomised controlled trial, adults with low intakes of fruit and vegetables were given support to increase their daily fruit and vegetable intake, with or without a glass of fruit juice or a smoothie, in order to meet the 5-a-day guideline.
After four weeks, both groups successfully boosted their fruit and vegetable intake but the group of people who added in fruit juice reported a reduction in depression scores.
The results, peer-reviewed and published in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Fruit Juice Science Centre, add to growing evidence that simple, practical dietary changes can support mental health.
Dr Courtney Neal who completed the study while at Newcastle University and is now at the University of Liverpool said: “While most people know eating 5-a-day can be good for your health, many people struggle to.
“Our trial showed that when people with low fruit and vegetable intake were provided with targeted financial and educational support to address common barriers to eating 5-a-day, they were able to make meaningful changes to their diet. We found that simple, cost-effective solutions, like drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie daily, could help people reach their 5-a-day, with potential benefits for mental wellbeing.” (MORE - details)