Impact of Seasonal Fruit Consumption on Perceived Stress and Serum Cortisol: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Psychological stress is increasingly prevalent due to modern lifestyle changes, academic pressures, and unhealthy dietary habits. Chronic stress activates the hypothalamicpituitary–adrenal axis, resulting in elevated cortisol levels that adversely affect mental and physical health. Fruits are rich in antioxidants, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds that  may help modulate stress responses; however, Indian data examining their combined psychological and biochemical effects are limited.