It is widely known that eating more fruits and vegetables contributes to our health and physical well-being. Furthermore, studies in the past have shown that consuming more fruits and vegetables can lead to an enhancement of happiness and satisfaction. However, did you know that more consumption of fruits and vegetables is also correlated with greater senses of engagement, meaning, curiosity, and creativity? A recent study concluded that eating fruits and vegetables not only associated with hedonic well-being (ie. happiness) but also eudaemonic well-being (ie. curiosity and creativity). Although the study only concluded that there is only correlation without certainty of causation, it does offer some possible explanations for why fruit and vegetable consumption can be associated with eudaemonia. For example, it was mentioned that the vitamin C, vitamin B, and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin) that are associated with a state of flourishing.
So the next time you search for more creativity or a greater sense of meaning, why not grab a healthy snack or have a veggie-filled meal? Who knows, maybe it can help you feel better more than just physically.
Reference:
Conner, T. S., Brookie, K. L., Richardson, A. C., & Polak, M. A. (2014). On carrots and
curiosity: Eating fruit and vegetables is associated with greater flourishing in daily life. British
Journal of Health Psychology. Advance online publication. DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12113