A University of Otago study has shown that adults with lowVitamin C contentYou can get more vitality by eating two kiwis a day for two weeks. The researchers highlight the benefits of the vitamin from the whole fruit. The observed effects were more pronounced than in a population that took vitamin C primarily via a supplement tablet.
Natural nutrients for more vitality
The researchers conducted a placebo-controlled intervention. They wanted to test whether increasing vitamin C through whole fruits or tablets could improve feelings of vitality or joy of life. The team recruited 167 participants between 18 and 35 years old with low baseline vitamin C levels. The researchers then divided the subjects into three groups. There was a group that consumed kiwis, an equivalent group that took 250 mg vitamin C tablets, and an experimental group that received placebo. Each day for four weeks, participants were asked to eat two kiwis known to be high in vitamin C or to consume their tablet. Blood vitamin C levels and questionnaire measures of mood, fatigue and well-being were then measured every two weeks throughout the study.
The results showed that blood levels of vitamin C returned to normal within two weeks in both the first and second experimental groups. In addition, there was no placebo effect in the third group. A key finding, however, was the additional vitality benefit reported by the group that ate kiwis. Eating whole fruits had shown such a wider range of benefits. Most importantly, the reduction in fatigue and improvement in mood and well-being were seen in a greater number of people than in the supplement group. The vitamin C tablets reduced fatigue and improved well-being to some extent for the individual. Interestingly, the benefits of consuming kiwis appeared in just two weeks.
Notes on nutrition
Vitamin C supports many functions in the body and brain, increasing the production of numerous hormones and neurotransmitters. These include adrenaline, serotonin and oxytocin, which control stress, regulate mood and promote greater vitality. The connections between vitamin C and physical functioning are well documented. However, this study establishes the role of vitamin C in mental functioning. The study also suggests that whole fruit intake promotes additional mental function benefits. The study authors believe that by increasing vitamin C levels through whole foods such as kiwis, people can receive additional active ingredients. These can benefit more systems in the body and brain.
For example, kiwis have numerous additional vitamins and minerals that support human health and are also rich in fiber. This also has a positive effect on the intestines. There are important connections between the gut and mood regulation. This could explain why kiwifruit boosted mood more than vitamin C tablets. The study was carried out in theNutrients magazinepublished.
