We’ve been told that fruits and veggies are chockfull of “the good stuff.” They are nutritionally beneficial for us in many ways. We have also been told that frozen foods are processed junk due to the preservatives. However, recent studies have proven that some of the healthiest food we can eat will be found in the frozen food aisle.
Fresh produce usually isn’t picked at its peak ripeness because it has to be transported to your local food store. Most of the fruits and veggies we buy from the supermarket were collected over 1,500 miles away and had to travel via truck to get here. They were also sprayed with pesticides in order to survive the long journey. So what is the alternative?
Leatherhead Food Research and University of Chester carried out 40 tests to measure nutrient levels in produce that had been sitting in a refrigerator for three days. They were compared to their frozen equivalent. It was found that the frozen foods had equal, if not more nutritional value than the fresh foods.
Two out of three cases resulted in frozen fruits and veggies packing higher levels of antioxidants including polyphenols, anthocyanins, lutein and beta-carotene. However, it is important to recognize the differences of each fruit and vegetable.
Foods with high amounts of vitamins B and C are best kept fresh because the vitamins are water-soluble. Try checking out these in the fresh produce section for the highest amount of nutrients:
- Citrus fruits
- Cabbage
- Berries
- Bell peppers
Foods that are best kept frozen include those with high amounts of fat-soluble nutrients. Vitamin A, vitamin E and carotenoids are more stable during food processing and storage. When you’re in the frozen aisle check out:
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Carrots
And by the way, boiling or steaming some veggies can actually increase levels of free radical-trapping antioxidants and phytochemicals! In other words, steam or boil your broccoli and carrots for the best nutritional benefits.
Stay healthy by keeping the fat-soluble fruits and veggies frozen and the water-soluble food fresh. If you don’t feel like doing the research, purchase the frozen variants but make sure that the fruit or veggie is the only ingredient. Will these tips make a difference in your nutritional intake? Absofruitly.
I buy mostly frozen veggies, even onions. But, when blueberry, strawberries, raspberries, and another fresh food our in season I buy those first. We both love any variety of squash, sweet potatoes. Sense the both of us {hubby} have been with diabetes. I’m more aware of what NOT TO EAT.