There has been a recent rise in the popularity of the ‘raw food’ diet, outlining that dieters should avoid cooking any food as cooking processes can remove some nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. Raw food champions claim that they don’t suffer from as many headaches and some have even claimed that raw food has reduced the severity of their allergies. It has been found that fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of micro-nutrients, these have been linked to health benefits including reducing the symptoms of arthritis and diabetes as well as naturally boost the immune system and even improve memory. This article will investigate the correlation between eating raw fruit and vegetables and mental health.

Researchers from the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago in New Zealand investigated the effects of eating either raw or processed fruit and veg on the mental health of young people. Using a sample group of 422 individuals between the ages of 18-25 living in both New Zealand and the USA, the survey studied changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety, negative mood, positive mood and life satisfaction. The study also took into account other lifestyle factors that may influence results including; body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, socio-economic status and sleep levels. Participants recorded their intake of raw fruit and vegetables or processed fruit and vegetables using an online diary, detailing how many portions of fruit and vegetables were eaten each day.

The study found that those who consumed a larger amount of raw fruits and vegetables did report reduced depressive symptoms and higher positive mood and life satisfaction. Looking at which fruits and vegetables correlated with the largest improvements, the top ten raw foods were found to be: carrots, apples, bananas, grapefruits, dark leafy greens, fresh berries, citrus fruits, cucumbers and kiwis. The following raw vegetables were also linked to boosting positive mood; celery, cabbage, tomatoes, mushrooms and red onions. It is thought that the process of cooking fruits and vegetables reduces the ability of micro-nutrients to be absorbed by the body. Although the study indicates clear benefits of eating raw vegetables, further investigation is needed to research factors including the effects of boiling or steaming vegetables, the soil in which produce is grown and the storage methods from the field to the shop shelf.

M&P Engineering is a leading manufacturer and supplier of food processing equipment to suit all food production factories. M&P Engineering’s onion peeling machine uses a system of self-adjusting floating knife assemblies to top, tail and peel onions in a dry peeling process. Our large onion peeler peels onions of 45mm to 115mm diameter, the onion peeling equipment uses air compressors to remove peel to maintain optimum appearance in the peeled onion.

In addition to its range of onion peeling machines, M&P Engineering also offers further food processing machinery including its food depositors and rotary transfer units. If in need of food filling equipment, M&P Engineering designs and manufactures sachet filling machines to suit your factory requirements. If working on a budget, speak to a member of the M&P Engineering team today to discuss its range of used food processing equipment.

If you would like to find out more information about any of M&P Engineering’s onion peeling machines, call us on +44 (0)161 872 8378 or contact us here.

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