Ever since you were a little kid, you have been told to…

Eat your vegetables!

And even though you may have scoffed at the sight of vegetables during your younger years, today you know that eating vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Most veggies are low in calories, and packed with vitamins and nutrients – making them an ideal food to help maintain a healthy weight.

And a diet rich in vegetables can even help reduce your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

But if you still find yourself being a little picky towards vegetables, scientists in the UK have discovered another health benefit to eating veggies…

It’s not widely known, but it may be the nudge you need to start eating your greens!

Veggies BOOST Mental Health

According to a UK study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, eating vegetables can help improve your mental health.

And we’re not talking a mountain of the green stuff, either…

The study found that eating just ONE serving of vegetables had the same effect on mental well-being as eight extra days of walking.

Eating vegetables isn’t going to turn you into Superman overnight, but the study highlights an important fact:

Folks who eat more fruit AND vegetables report a higher level of mental well-being and life satisfaction than those who eat less.

The problem is, most folks here in the States simply don’t get enough of either.

In fact, studies have found that only one in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis!

But that doesn’t mean YOU need to be a part of that sobering statistic.

If you’re looking for a way to boost your veggie intake, consider smoothies.

Smoothies are an excellent way to consume both fruits and vegetables (along with other healthy foods like plain Greek yogurt), especially if you sometimes can’t stomach the taste of raw veggies.