Frozen Food Is Better For Health Than Fresh Fruit And Vegetables

Frozen Food Is Better For Your Health Than Fresh Fruit And Vegetables
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Over the past few years it's been drilled into man, woman and child that five-a-day (not merely just an apple) keeps the doctor away.

But when it comes to frozen packets fruit and veg many turn their noses up, adamant that fresh produce is the healthier option.

As it turns out, food from the freezer typically contains higher nutrients than those located in the veg aisle.

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Readers Vote: Frozen or Fresh?
Brussels Sprouts -- Thumbs Down(01 of11)
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The fact that Brussels sprouts taste terrible frozen is probably no surprise since these little guys are hated by many even when fresh.Image from Flickr: smith_cl9. (credit:Flickr: smith_cl9)
Artichokes -- Thumbs Up(02 of11)
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You can smell the scent of fresh artichokes even before you open the bag. Frozen artichokes are a great option, especially since they get so pricy when fresh.Image from Flickr: joyosity. (credit:Flickr: joyosity)
Carrots -- Thumbs Down(03 of11)
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You'd think that carrots are a natural choice for freezing, but something happens when sliced and chilled. They turn rubbery and become inedible.Image from Flickr: claireknights. (credit:Flickr: claireknights)
Corn -- Thumbs Up(04 of11)
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While it might not keep its great crunch, corn does maintain its sweetness when defrosted. And it makes a quick, easy side dish to go along with dinner.Image from Flickr: planetc1. (credit:Flickr: planetc1)
Broccoli -- Thumbs Down(05 of11)
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If there's one thing you really don't want from your veggies it's for them to stink when you cook them. And that's exactly what happens with broccoli when you try to resurrect it from the freezer.Image from Flickr: cyclonebill. (credit:Flickr: cyclonebill)
Sweet Peas -- Thumbs Up(06 of11)
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While fresh peas are the crowning glory of spring, frozen ones are pretty good, too. If you only keep one thing in your freezer at all times, it should be frozen sweet peas. They can make any dinner better.Image from Flickr: soommen. (credit:Flickr: soommen)
Asparagus -- Thumbs Down(07 of11)
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If you're one of those people that cooks their asparagus till it turns to mush, then by all means go for frozen. If you're not keen on that type of preparation, then steer clear.Image from Flickr: Muffet. (credit:Flickr: Muffet)
Edamame -- Thumbs Up(08 of11)
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Besides the fact that edamame are hard to find fresh, they really do taste great frozen. And the best part is, they make a great healthy snack too.Image from Flickr: cyclonebill. (credit:Flickr: cyclonebill)
Cauliflower -- Thumbs Down(09 of11)
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Cauliflower loses its silky qualities and sweet flavor when frozen. Instead, you end up with crumbly florets and rubbery stalks. Image from Flickr: Nick Saltmarsh. (credit:Flickr: Nick Saltmarsh )
Spinach -- Thumbs Up(10 of11)
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Frozen spinach will never be the same as fresh, but it works really well in many recipes -- such as lasagna -- where you won't even be able to tell the difference.Image from Flickr: ted_major. (credit:Flickr: ted_major)
Lima Beans -- Thumbs Down(11 of11)
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Lima beans already have a hard enough pleasing people. So if you opt for frozen, where they become grainy and dry, it just makes it that much harder. Image from Flickr: kthread. (credit:Flickr: kthread)

Drawing on two independent studies, the MailOnline says that frozen fruit and veg contains more antioxidant-type compounds such as Vitamin C, polyphenols, anthocyanins, lutein and beta-carotene. The findings, one from Leatherhead Food Research and another from the University of Chester, say nutrients are linked to cancer prevention and are good for various parts of the body.

Researchers conducted 40 tests to compare nutrient levels of produce left in a fridge for three days and the frozen equivalent.

Speaking to Health India, nutritionist Shilpa Mittal says that freezing foods locks in nutrients until consumed, whereas fresh foods can lose goodness in the fridge.

She adds: "When foods are canned or frozen, they are usually processed and packaged within hours of being harvested. This retains their nutrients until they are defrosted which should be just prior their consumption."

Brian Young director-general of the British Frozen Food Federation said in a statement: "Fast and organised methods of harvest-to-freeze have evolved which minimise loss of nutrients. In contrast, 'fresh' food can spend up to a month in the chain of producers, wholesalers and retailers before they reach customers."

"During this time we know that product deterioration takes place - to the extent that they can have lower nutritional value than frozen equivalents."