Frozen foods are always questioned for their health benefits. So the question is, are frozen vegetables healthy?
Eating frozen vegetables every day can be a staple for many people. This is because they are cheaper than fresh vegetables.
People want to know more about frozen vegetables disadvantages. This is because they are growing more and more health conscious. That is why people search their web browsers – are frozen vegetables healthy Reddit.
Frozen vegetables give you access to vegetables throughout the year. Even when fresh produce cannot.
That is why many think, do frozen vegetables have preservatives? Or, are frozen vegetables healthy for baby? Are frozen vegetables good for weight loss?
Read the article to find out the advantages and disadvantages of frozen vegetables.
Are Frozen Vegetables Healthy?
Frozen vegetables are, in fact, healthy. They consist of the same nutritional value as any fresh vegetable.
These frozen vegetables are frozen right after they harvest them. So, they might contain more nutrients than fresh ones.
When vegetables start to age, the vitamins and minerals start to get depleted as well. If vegetables are frozen at the right time, it delays the aging process.
So, these frozen vegetables are much more nutritious than fresh produce. And they can be fresher than the fresh vegetables that you may be buying. The same goes for frozen fruits.
In most cases, the frozen vegetable is the freshest when the harvesters choose them. And these vegetables are frozen right after the harvesters pick them.
This ensures that the nutritional value of the vegetables is intact for a longer period. And these veggies usually have to travel for weeks before they arrive at stores.
Nutritional Value of Frozen Vegetables
The nutritional value of frozen vegetables remains intact. This is because these veggies are frozen right after the harvesters harvest these veggies.
The phytochemical content remains intact if you blanch and freeze vegetables. They confirmed it with a study. But, studies also show that doing this may affect the nutrients of some vegetables.
A study shows that frozen broccoli had higher riboflavin compared to fresh broccoli. But, frozen peas had a low vitamin content compared to fresh peas.
Besides, spinach, carrots, and frozen pea had low beta carotene content. But, there was not any difference between fresh and frozen spinach and green beans.
Increasing and Decreasing Nutritional Value
A study shows that uncooked, frozen kale has more antioxidants than fresh kale does. So, freezing vegetables can sometimes increase the vegetables’ antioxidant content.
But, if you were to blanch vegetables, it might lead to a reduction of heat-sensitive nutrients significantly of the vegetables, which include thiamine and vitamin C.
According to a review, certain vegetables’ vitamin C content could reduce by 10 percent to 80 percent while the freezing and blanching process can also lead to the loss of nutrients on an average of about 50 percent.
However, microwaving, boiling, and stir-frying can lead to the loss of nutrients. Even in fresh vegetables or canned vegetables.
Problems with Frozen Vegetables
The problems with frozen vegetables exist in the added preservatives and additives. That is why check the labels of ingredients carefully when you select your frozen vegetables.
Usually, frozen vegetables do not have any added preservatives or additives. Some might contain added salt or sugar. As it is the same with most frozen food and frozen fruit.
They might combine frozen produce with seasoning mixes or sauces that are premade.
This will add some flavor to your veggies. But, also increase the sodium, calorie, or fat content of your frozen veg.
For Weight Loss
These kinds of frozen vegetables with additives are not good for losing weight. That is if that is what you are trying to do.
If you are looking to lose weight with frozen veggies, avoid these kinds of frozen vegetables. Avoid the ones that have a topping that is high in calories, such as gravy, cheese sauce, or garlic butter.
For High Blood Pressure Patients
Besides, eating frozen vegetables with additives high in sodium is not a good idea. And, it is worse for people with high blood pressure.
So, you have to check the ingredients lists when you are shopping for frozen veggies. And, avoid anything with added salt.
Studies show that consuming less sodium will help decrease the levels of your blood pressure. This is specially correct for those who have high blood pressure.
Advantages of Frozen Vegetables
You can prepare frozen veggies with very little effort. This makes it quicker and more convenient for you than fresh veggies.
Frozen vegetables are also cheaper than most fresh vegetables and have a long shelf life. So, this helps you get the most value for your money.
Other than that, frozen vegetables are available year-round. So, you can enjoy most vegetables in any season.
If you add frozen veggies to your diet, you can increase the intake of essential nutrients. The nutrients are minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. And, the benefits that these nutrients have are countless.
Studies show that by eating more vegetables, you may as well be lowering your risks of conditions. The conditions are heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and more.
Why Get Frozen Vegetables?
When the season of winter nears, fresh vegetables are expensive in most parts of the country. That is when people opt for frozen or canned vegetables.
Most canned veggies lose some of their nutrients because of the preservation process. Except for canned vegetables like pumpkin and tomatoes.
But, frozen vegetables are sometimes more nutritious than most fresh vegetables. Even Gene Lester, Ph.D., says so.
Blanching can take away some of the water-soluble nutrients. These nutrients are B vitamins and vitamin C as well. But, the flash freeze process locks the impactful nutrients of the veggies.
Frozen vegetables are much more nutritious than their fresh counterpart. This is the case with most vegetables.
Conclusion
Are frozen vegetables healthy? Yes, they are absolutely healthy. They are frozen right after they harvest them.
This makes sure all the nutrients are intact and cheaper than fresh vegetables. And sometimes, more nutritious than their fresh veggie counterparts.
You cannot even find fresh food like green beans, fresh spinach, and green peas on the market at all times. It is better to choose your frozen produce such as frozen cauliflower, frozen corn etc.
Healthy eating is essential. So, just make sure that you read the ingredients labels before you buy any of the vegetables. This is because some of them might have added preservatives and additives.
