Proper nutrition helps to preserve the joy of life

Experts analyzed the diet of more than three thousand Britons over the age of 50. It was estimated how much fish, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats were included in the participants’ daily menu. In parallel, indicators of mood, life satisfaction, and feelings of inner growth were recorded.

It turned out that regular fish intake was most often associated with a higher level of happiness. This product helps support brain function and the production of serotonin and dopamine, substances that are responsible for feeling joy and calm.

Vegetables and fruits have shown a stable association with a sense of fullness of life and personal development. However, their effect on happiness and satisfaction was weaker if the person had chronic illnesses or severe symptoms of sadness.

Interestingly, most of the study participants ate only about two servings of vegetables and fruits per day, while the British guidelines recommend at least five. The situation with fish consumption was even more modest — half of the respondents did not include it in the diet at all on the days when the records were kept.

The picture turned out to be more complicated than the simple formula “eat healthy food and you will be happy.” The level of joy and life satisfaction was influenced not only by food, but also by factors such as income, education, loneliness, and general health.

Nevertheless, the conclusion is obvious: nutrition remains one of the few factors that you can control yourself. Increasing the proportion of vegetables, fruits and fish in the diet can be a simple and affordable step towards feeling more cheerful and happier in adulthood.