Encouraging fruit intake during midlife can ward off late-life blues

A Singapore cohort study involving over 13,000 participants over nearly 20 years found that higher fruit consumption during midlife is associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms in later life. As populations age globally, late-life depressive symptoms are increasing, prompting research into preventive measures.

Conducted by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, the study tracked participants from midlife to later life, finding that those who consumed more fruit had a reduced likelihood of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, found that most fruits, including oranges, bananas, and apples, were associated with lower depression odds, likely due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Participants who ate at least three servings of fruit daily reduced their depression risk by 21%. Promoting mid-adulthood fruit consumption could benefit mental health in later years, highlighting significant public health implications.