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The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are innumerable and yet another reason to have them has just been found by researchers. A new study suggests that people who eat seven portions of fruits and vegetables everyday are among those that stay happiest.  

For the study, economists and public health researchers from the University of Warwick studied the eating habits of 80,000 people in Britain.

The research revealed that he mental wellbeing of people rose with the number of times a day they consumed portions of fruits and vegetables. And it seems, mental wellbeing was at its peak with the consumption of seven portions a day.

Currently, the recommended number of portions of fruits and vegetables is "5 a day" by most western cardiovascular health officials and surgeon generals, found as the minimum amount that could protect against high blood pressure, MS and even cancer, the report said.

According to the report, in Britain, one-fourth of the population eats either just one or no portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Reportedly, one in one-tenth of British population seem to consume seven portions or more.

The study does not distinguish among different kinds of fruits and vegetables and it defines a portion as approximately 80 grams.

"The statistical power of fruit and vegetables was a surprise. Diet has traditionally been ignored by well-being researchers," study co-author Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, Professor of Public Health at Warwick Medical School, said.

She further said, that this study has linked consumption of fruits and vegetables with mental wellbeing; however, much needs to be learned about the cause and effect.

"This study has shown surprising results and I have decided it is prudent to eat more fruit and vegetables. I am keen to stay cheery," fellow co-author, economist Professor Andrew Oswald from the Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE) at the University of Warwick, said.

The research will be published in the journal Social Indicators Research.