Raw fruit and vegetable intake linked to better mental health outcomes than consumption of processed fruits and vegetables

A study by researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand revealed that the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables has better effects on mental health compared to when the processed versions of these are eaten. This finding, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, was determined based on the results of an online survey.

• Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that are important for maintaining healthy cognitive and emotional functions.
• Previous studies have shown that the consumption of fruits and vegetables lowers the incidence of mental disorders like depression and increases the likelihood of experiencing good mental states. Furthermore, the link between mental health and fruit and vegetable intake was observed to be dose-dependent.
• Prior to this study, there was limited information regarding the effects of the manner by which fruits and vegetables are processed and consumed on mental health. This is important to consider since there is some evidence suggesting that cooking and canning affect the bioavailability and concentration of nutrients in food.
• In this study, the researchers conducted an online cross-sectional survey of 422 participants between the ages of 18 to 25 years old.
• The survey assessed the typical consumption of raw vs processed fruits and vegetables, negative and positive mental health indicators, and other factors that could potentially affect the results of the experiment such as socio-economic status, body mass index, sleep, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use.

Results of the survey showed that raw fruit and vegetable intake potentially reduces depressive symptoms and improves mood, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Moreover, they determined that the raw foods that are most associated with better mental health include carrots, bananas, apples, dark leafy greens like spinach, grapefruit, lettuce, citrus fruits, fresh berries, cucumber, and kiwifruit.

The full text of the study is available at this link.

For more articles on how food can affect a person’s mental health, visit Mental.news.

Journal Reference:

Brookie KL, Best GI, Conner TS. INTAKE OF RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER MENTAL HEALTH THAN INTAKE OF PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Frontiers in Psychology. 10 April 2018;9. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00487