Tag Archives: mood

Boost Your Mood Daily: Study Reveals Benefits of Drinking Fruit Juice

Posted on by
Reply

In a small randomized trial in the United Kingdom, adults who incorporated one serving of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie into their healthier diet experienced notable reductions in depression scores after just four weeks.

Daily consumption of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie can enhance mental health, supporting the UK’s Five Healthy Eating Five Days guidelines. Image credit: Joseph Musila.

“While many recognize the benefits of consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, implementing this can be challenging,” stated lead author Dr. Courtney Neale, who conducted the study at Newcastle University and is currently at the University of Liverpool.

“Our trial demonstrated that targeted financial and educational support to overcome common obstacles in achieving five servings can lead to significant dietary improvements for individuals with low fruit and vegetable consumption.”

“We discovered that straightforward, cost-effective strategies, like drinking a modest glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie each day, can assist individuals in meeting their five-a-day target while also offering potential mental health benefits.”

In this study, Dr. Neale and colleagues focused on participants who consumed one glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie daily as part of a five-a-day healthy eating strategy.

Adults with insufficient fruit and vegetable intake received support to enhance their daily consumption, either with or without a glass of juice or a smoothie to comply with the five-a-day guideline.

The 42 participants were divided into three groups: a control group that maintained their usual diet, a group that increased their intake of whole fruits and vegetables, and a group that did the same while also consuming a daily glass of juice or a smoothie.

After four weeks, both groups showed a rise in fruit and vegetable consumption, but the group that added fruit juice reported lower depression scores.

Specifically, depression questionnaire scores were 2.52 points lower (out of 27) compared to the control group, indicating a modest yet statistically significant difference, with no adverse effects on metabolic health indicators observed.

Lead author Dr. Oliver Shannon, a Lecturer in Nutrition and Aging at Newcastle University, noted: “With the UK facing rising living costs, the price of fresh produce can be a significant barrier for individuals aiming to increase their fruit and vegetable intake.”

“This research indicates that incorporating a glass of fruit juice or a smoothie daily could be part of the solution to achieving the five-a-day goal.”

“The finding that juice consumers had lower depression scores is promising and warrants further investigation, particularly among those experiencing mental health issues.”

“This aligns with existing research suggesting improved blood flow to the brain and enhanced cognitive function following the consumption of citrus juices.”

“Simple dietary modifications, including increasing fruit intake and adding a daily glass of juice, may be pivotal in supporting mental well-being.”

For more information, refer to the study published in the May 22 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition.

_____

Courtney Neale et al. Including fruit juices and smoothies in the recommended five-daily intake of fruits and vegetables: a randomized controlled trial investigating effects on intake, mood, and health markers. British Journal of Nutrition published online on May 22, 2026. doi: 10.1017/S0007114526107569

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Indicates Morning Caffeine Enhances Mood

Posted on by
Reply

Recent studies indicate that caffeine intake is linked to a notable positive impact, particularly strong within the initial 2.5 hours after waking up (i.e., in the morning).

Individuals who regularly consume caffeine often report feeling better after having coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This effect is noticeable until late morning. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system utilized by approximately 80% of the global population and is available in various forms, including coffee, tea, sodas (like Coke), and chocolate.”

“Positive expectations surrounding caffeine use include alleviating fatigue, enhancing cognitive and physical performance, and promoting favorable mood changes.”

“There is a notable gap in research regarding the beneficial effects associated with caffeine in real-world circumstances, especially concerning mood and emotional states.”

The study involved 236 young adults from Germany over a duration of up to four weeks.

Participants answered a brief smartphone survey seven times daily.

This research aimed to explore caffeine consumption in both daily life and controlled laboratory scenarios.

The researchers also examined whether coffee affects individuals differently.

“We were somewhat surprised to find no significant differences among individuals with varying caffeine consumption levels, depressive symptoms, anxiety, or sleep issues,” remarked Dr. Hayenberger.

“The relationship between caffeine intake and emotional responses was largely consistent across all demographics.”

“We anticipated that individuals with higher anxiety levels would experience a decline in mood, including increased tension, after consuming caffeine.”

“However, those who have adverse reactions to caffeine may avoid it, and our study did not include participants who completely abstain from caffeine.”

Scientific findings explain the mood-boosting effects of caffeine on morning emotions, attributed to its ability to block adenosine receptors.

“Caffeine functions by inhibiting adenosine receptors, which can enhance dopamine activity in key brain regions; this phenomenon is linked to improved mood and increased alertness,” states Professor Anu Learro from Warwick University.

“Nonetheless, it’s still uncertain whether these effects are related to diminished withdrawal symptoms following a night’s sleep.”

“Even moderately caffeinated individuals might encounter mild withdrawal symptoms that resolve after their first coffee or tea in the morning.”

study will be published in the journal Scientific Reports.

____

J. Haschenberger et al. 2025. Positive effects of association with caffeine consumption do not involve any negative effects changes throughout the day. Sci Rep 15, 28536; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-14317-0

Source: www.sci.news

Can Soil Microorganisms Alter Brain Chemistry and Enhance Mood?

Posted on by
Reply

Is soil truly an antidepressant?

Cavan’s Image/Aramie

Numerous intriguing claims about gardening have circulated, especially one that insists, “The soil acts as an antidepressant.”

According to this notion, it’s been promoted through countless social media posts. Mycobacterium vaccae, microorganisms commonly found in soil, are said to improve your mood. Simply engaging with the earth can yield these benefits. It’s believed that these bacteria can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled, subsequently enhancing your brain chemistry. But is this as credible as it seems?

While these claims may appear peculiar at first glance, studies have indeed explored the effects of this microorganism on various health conditions, such as eczema and cancer. Interestingly, M. vaccae was first identified in Ugandan soil samples while scientists sought a non-lethal relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it has potential as a form of immunotherapy.

Researchers became intrigued by its possible benefits for depression when lung cancer patients treated with this bacteria reported improvements in their quality of life, which was an unexpected yet welcomed side effect. Current research, likely indicating an uplift in mood, has been replicated across numerous well-designed studies. Thus, the internet is rife with memes about this finding.

However, there is a caveat. All studies specifically examining this hypothesis have been conducted on mice rather than humans, which is significant because the outcomes of animal studies are often difficult to extrapolate to humans. For instance, one review of 76 animal studies found that only 37% were replicated in human trials.

Moreover, the mice used in the M. vaccae studies were male and from specific inbred strains. Researchers varied their methods for administering the bacteria, either by saturating the air in their cages or applying it directly to their skin. Most studies I found involved injecting the bacteria into the bloodstream of the mice or incorporating it into their food.

As someone captivated by the growing evidence that suggests spending time in green spaces improves mental health, I eagerly anticipate further research on M. vaccae. Nevertheless, despite the viral nature of the claim that “soil is an antidepressant,” it’s essential to acknowledge that it primarily stems from studies on male mice injected with purified bacteria.

James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a particular focus on food crops, conservation, and the environment. He trained at the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, London, and shares a small flat with over 500 houseplants. Follow him on X and Instagram @BotanyGeek

For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com