Fruit Benefits our Emotions

Understanding the effects food has on our thoughts helps us comprehend the effects it has on our emotions. This is because the mind-heart connection is widely accepted in modern medicine, as it continues to be popularized by yoga and meditation groups.

We’ll do another quick experiment. As you imagine the following scenarios, look for changes in your emotional state. First, imagine you are in a room full of people. These people are cheering you up, and saying wonderful things about you. They are telling stories about your accomplishments, and listing all the great qualities you have. How do you feel? Happy? Glad? Excited? Our brain absorbs beautiful images, and that makes us feel good.

Now, imagine a separate room, with different people. This people are complaining about you, they are blaming you and all your mistakes. How do you feel now? Sad? Fearful? Angry? Shy? Clearly, thoughts affect our emotional state, and if food affects our thoughts…

A study published in “The American Journal of Psychiatry” in January 2010 found that participants who consumed a “traditional” diet, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and whole grains, were less likely to experience depressive disorders than those who ate a “western” diet, rich in refined grains, sugar, fried foods, and processed foods. (1) The reason being that a western eating pattern lacks vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. These nutrients play an important role in brain function and blood sugar control, which in term affects our mood.

Shirley W. Kaplan, a psychologist affiliated with the American Nutrition Association said “Many psychological professionals see a strong link between self-esteem and nutrition”. “Unhealthy eating habits hinder brain function and cause reduced self-esteem because of foggy thinking, mood swings, and confusion. Poor body image is a common byproduct of overeating, particularly when it causes undesirable weight gain.” (2)

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