Frozen food can be a total game-changer when life gets busy, but is it really equivalent to fresh food in terms of nutrition? Here’s what you need to know.
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Frozen foods save time and energy in the kitchen.
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But, do they retain their nutritional value?
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Read on to know more.
Freezing food has been a trick used in the kitchen for centuries – it’s all about convenience and cutting waste. Whether you’re storing seasonal mangoes or meal prepping for the week, the freezer is your best friend. This saves time, keeps food fresh and avoids wastage. But have you ever stopped and asked: are frozen meals as healthy as we think? If you rely on frozen peas or store-bought meals, this is for you. Let’s break it down and see what the pros say about your cold storage.
Also read: 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making When Cooking Frozen Vegetables
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So, is frozen food healthy or not?
Answer: It depends on how you are storing it. Nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar says that there is a big difference between freezing food at home and buying frozen items from the store. If you’re chopping fresh vegetables and freezing them yourself, you’re good to go. “It’s safe and doesn’t lose its nutrition,” explains Sudhakar. The low temperature keeps bacteria away, and honestly, anything that makes kitchen work easier is a win.
But store-bought frozen foods? That’s another story. Canned frozen items are often loaded with sodium and preservatives to extend their shelf life. And if the temperature isn’t right, bacteria can get inside, making it risky. So, while home-freezing gets a thumbs up, as Sudhakar says, packaged frozen foods are a “not so safe option”.
Fresh Vs. Frozen: Who Wins?
Sure, fresh food sounds ideal, but don’t overlook frozen meals just yet. Fitness coach Ralston D’Souza explains that some frozen fruits and vegetables may actually be better than fresh fruits and vegetables in terms of nutrients. Foods like peas “retain more vitamin C, some B vitamins and antioxidants than fresh peas.” Even frozen corn may contain more vitamin C and carotenoids than fresh corn. Why? Because fresh produce lying on store shelves for several days loses nutrients over time.
What’s actually sapping the nutrients from your food?
Here’s a surprise: It’s not the cold that’s draining your food’s nutrition—it’s how you handle it. Nutritionist Sudhakar says that frequent heating is the real villain. If you thaw frozen food, refreeze it, and thaw it again, you’re basically asking to lose all of its goodness. So, if you are using frozen food regularly, handle it with care to keep it nutritious.
Also read: Food Trivia: Who Invented Frozen Food? Join us on a fascinating journey through history
grassroots level? Frozen foods can be highly useful and even healthy, as long as you are freezing them yourself and following correct storage practices.
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