The challenge of keeping up a healthy diet is all too known to single people. The days of your mother coming into your room carrying a platter of freshly cut fruit are long gone; although it may have felt inconvenient at the time, it now seems like a luxury. Not only are you losing out on a ready-to-eat dinner at the table now, but you also have to cut your own onions in order to make a basic egg omelette.
 
Now enter services like BigBasket, Blinkit, and swiggy Instamart, which are like the shining knights of contemporary times for anyone who hates having to chop fruits and veggies every day. These online services make it simpler to maintain a diet of home-cooked meals by providing the speedy delivery of "fresh-cut" food. But is relying on pre-cut fruits and vegetables truly a healthy practice? Let's find out what the experts have to say.

According to india Today, kanika Narang, the deputy manager of the dietetics department at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, pre-cut fruits and vegetables purchased online can be secure as long as they are handled and kept appropriately.
 
She points out that contamination can happen physically, chemically, or biologically throughout the production, packing, and shipping stages.
 
• Physical contamination can happen when you come into contact with dust, dirt, or other foreign objects.

• Chemical contamination may arise from contact with pesticides, heavy metals, or other dangerous substances.

• Biological contamination can happen when dangerous viruses, bacteria, or fungus are present.

She advises selecting trustworthy retailers, making sure the packaging is correct, and keeping pre-cut vegetables in the refrigerator at a temperature lower than 40°F (4°C) in order to reduce danger. Online retailers allow you to choose how pre-cut product is stored once it is delivered, but you cannot check the source or packing of the fruit.
 
The head clinical nutritionist at aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru, Soumita Biswas, adds that while pre-cut fruits and vegetables are convenient, there are certain hazards involved.
 
Despite the strict laws governing food safety, customers still need to exercise caution, double-checking expiry dates, making sure product is stored properly, and giving it a thorough wash. "Whole fruits and vegetables often offer superior nutritional value and safety, even though pre-cut options save time," the author continues.
 
What about nutritional value?
According to Soumita Biswas, pre-cutting may cause some nutritional loss because of the exposure to light and air. Time and storage conditions are two factors that affect how much of this loss occurs.
 
Narang further adds that with the right handling and storage, pre-cut fruits and vegetables may maintain their nutritious content. However, cutting and exposure to air, water, and heat can cause the loss of water-soluble vitamins including vitamin c and vitamin B.
 
Vitamins that are soluble in fat, such as A, D, E, and K, may be better maintained. It's also possible to retain minerals like calcium, salt, and potassium.

Do experts recommend?
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are undoubtedly convenient, but they might not be the healthiest or safest choice for everyone, according to Soumita Biswas. If you decide to purchase them, make sure to select reliable brands and finish them right away. Preparing fruits and vegetables at home is frequently the greatest option for people who place a high priority on food safety and nutrition.
 
In order to guarantee the highest level of freshness and nutritious content, kanika Narang also suggests choosing whole fruits and vegetables and chopping them yourself.
 
"To ensure freshness and safety, any cut fruit or vegetable should ideally be consumed within four hours," continues Dr. adarsh CK.
 
 

 
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G GOWTHAM

25/08/2024 08:36 AM