According to scientists, eating fruits and vegetables every day will keep you happy and more optimistic about the future.

Researchers conducted a survey involving about 80,000 Britons and questioned them about their diet and general feelings.

Each person was given a score between 0 and 10 based on their satisfaction with life.

The study concluded that those who ate about eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day on average had a one point higher score than people who did not.

The link remained even when people’s exercise levels and overall diet – both of which can influence mood – were accounted for.

It is still unknown how fruit and vegetables improve one’s well being – however, they do contain chemicals known as antioxidants which are believed to reduce stress levels.

Recently studies have found that children who eat more fruit and vegetables are less at risk of depression in later life.

Andrew Oswald, of the Warwick University’s Department of Economics, which conducted the research, said: “This study has shown surprising results. We know that fruit and vegetables carry a lot of antioxidants and those protect us against attacks on the body.

“But how that works through into our minds and emotions, researchers have no idea.”