Benefits of eating seasonal foods:

1. Fruits and vegetables freshly picked in their growing season are more flavorful and are more nutrient dense.
2. Better for the environment! Produce grown in their natural growing season typically require less fertilizers and are more resistant to pests (therefore requiring less pesticides if choosing non-organic produce).
3. Supporting local farmers and businesses helps support your community.

Mental Health Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables:

It is a well-established fact that fruits and vegetables are crucial for our overall health. For example, studies have shown that they aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature mortality. Yet, a perhaps lesser-known fact is that because of the inextricable connection between the brain and body, eating enough fruits and vegetables also benefits our mental health and well-being.

There is evidence that including more fruit and vegetables in your diet can help reduce stress, anxiety, symptoms of minor psychiatric disorders, general distress, and symptoms of depression. Similarly, there is much evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also help to improve: mood, sleep quality, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, curiosity, creativity, optimism, self-esteem, quality of life, overall flourishing, and an increased sense of mental well-being in general.

Canada’s food guide recommends eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Follow that advice and notice the benefits in your body and mind; in your overall well-being.