I'm in a Biggest Loser's Group [just to keep me on track with more healthful food choices] and the challenge this week is to eat at least 3 vegetables per day. I really like this challenge but started wondering about in what 'form' to get these veggies.....i.e., fresh, frozen, or canned??? This will become increasingly important as winter choices in the produce aisle [in terms of quality and price] offer 'slim pickings' for those on a budget.
So - After some research - this is what I've found - AND DID NOT KNOW:
- Advances in food technology - such as 'flash freezing' traps nutrients immediately after harvest.
- Packaged fruits and vegetables that have been flash frozen offer similar taste and health benefits to fresh produce.
- In some instances, frozen and canned produce may actually deliver 'more' of a particular nutrient.
- Frozen spinach, for instance, typically contains 80% 'more' beta-carotene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant, than fresh spinach!
- Fresh produce, can lose nutrients during shipping and display.
- Processed tomato products contain a 'higher level' of the antioxidant lycopene than fresh tomatoes.
- Levels of vitamin C are significantly increased when ascorbic acid is added to both frozen and canned produce to preserve color.
- Fresh items begin to lose their nutrients after 3 to 4 days. So stock your pantry and freezer with packaged fruits and vegetables for times when fresh produce is scare, expensive or inconvenient.
- When selecting 'healthy' canned and frozen produce - look for "reduced sodium" or "no salt added" on the label.
- Choose canned fruit packed in its own juice with no sugar added.
- Find plain frozen vegetable medleys without sauce - add your own seasonings at home.
- Buy packages of frozen vegetables in which the contents 'move freely'; they are less likely to have lost nutrients through thawing and refreezing.
Have a great day. As Always, Terrie
YES! IT'S MONDAY!!!
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