However, those reminded by text and given $10 vouchers did not show a similar improvement, according to the study published in PLOS ONE.
And, when surveyed, were found more likely to have eaten cooked vegetables in casseroles or mixed in with other meals.
Study author Dr Tamlin Conner said: ‘The message from this study is we should be giving people more fruits and vegetables to eat, not simply reminding people to eat their 5+ a day.
‘People in dormitories, children in daycare centres, patients in hospitals, employees in the workplace, could be provided with fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.’
But she added that further research is needed to address whether eating more fresh produce might make differences to people’s ill-being, including conditions such as depression.
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