Fresh or Frozen Foods: Which Are Healthier?

Nowadays people are eating much healthier, or at least trying to be more aware. Organic foods are quoted as the best in most circles and many people will purchase only a product that is marked organic. Then there are the many millions that want their family to eat healthy but just can't afford the high cost of the health food stores and the organic products. This is where most fall, and that this is a group of consumers who are truly concerned with what their family is eating. What has to be done is a maneuvering of the natural products with the plain food that is available in the grocery stores. It is not that difficult and healthy, nutritious foods can be found.

A healthy diet should contain fruits, vegetables, whole wheat and fibers, and protein along with lots of water. To attain all of these fresh you would think would be the absolute most nutritious way. This is not necessarily so. In most grocery stores fruits and vegetables come either fresh, frozen or canned, and amazingly enough the frozen is equally as nutritious as the fresh! The reason for this is because the vegetables are harvested and cleaned and then almost immediately flashes frozen to maintain their quality. Many vegetables like green beans for instance, loose their nutritional content within 7 days of harvesting, so if they are left sitting in warehouses or on shelves for longer than that, then eating fresh who not provide the best nutrition. This was not possible 60 years ago or even 50 years ago because the methods of freezing have improved so much over these years frozen has become an excellent food source.

Canned veggies and fruits are more inferior because they have not been cooked and processed in the best ways. Take green beans again for example. They are cooked in giant vats first, and then when the canning process occurs they are again heated to high temperatures. Having been heated twice, they tend to be overcooked and consequently have lost some of their nutritional value. It is much better to choose fresh frozen items if you either can't find the fresh produce or you simply like the convenience of using the frozen packages.

Once again, it is possible in most grocery stores to find organic and the regular frozen, so that choice will be up to you. You can rest assured that the frozen veggies and fruits have a high quality of nutrients and chances are they won't be loaded down with heavy syrups and sauces like the canned varieties. The frozen will last for long periods of time in your freezer. So Enjoy both good nutrition and convenience in the frozen food section!