The new research suggests that people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables are optimistic about the future.
Scientists from Harvard School of Public Health have found that optimistic people have a higher carotenoid in their blood. This is a substance that the body gets from plants.
Antioxidants
A well-known carotenoid is beta carotene, a dye lot in orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits. Earlier studies had shown that a high level of antioxidants, which are a form of carotenoids which may indicate good health.
Antioxidants go against the production of free radicals that can damage cells, and may lead to illnesses. Lead researcher Julia Boehm said that now it seems that optimists have higher levels of carotenoids in their blood, for example the important beta carotene.
Degree of optimism
For the study of optimism the team studied data from about 1,000 American men and women between 25 and 74 years. Of the participants, the blood was examined. In addition, they were asked to fill out question sheets about their attitude to life. In this way, their degree of optimism determined.
Healthier habits
Participants with higher carotenoid in their blood were more optimistic than those lower levels of carotenoids in their blood. The scientists believe that the intake of fruits and vegetables are partly responsible.
The researchers also found that people who are two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables are significantly less optimistic than the participants who ate three or more daily. According to the researchers optimists tend to adopt healthier habits.
Scientists from Harvard School of Public Health have found that optimistic people have a higher carotenoid in their blood. This is a substance that the body gets from plants.
Antioxidants
A well-known carotenoid is beta carotene, a dye lot in orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits. Earlier studies had shown that a high level of antioxidants, which are a form of carotenoids which may indicate good health.
Antioxidants go against the production of free radicals that can damage cells, and may lead to illnesses. Lead researcher Julia Boehm said that now it seems that optimists have higher levels of carotenoids in their blood, for example the important beta carotene.
Degree of optimism
For the study of optimism the team studied data from about 1,000 American men and women between 25 and 74 years. Of the participants, the blood was examined. In addition, they were asked to fill out question sheets about their attitude to life. In this way, their degree of optimism determined.
Healthier habits
Participants with higher carotenoid in their blood were more optimistic than those lower levels of carotenoids in their blood. The scientists believe that the intake of fruits and vegetables are partly responsible.
The researchers also found that people who are two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables are significantly less optimistic than the participants who ate three or more daily. According to the researchers optimists tend to adopt healthier habits.
