Have you felt confused at the grocery store which is best?
You already know that eating vegetables is essential for your health, but which section of the store do you get them from?
Vegetables come fresh, frozen, and canned, and many people wonder what the difference is between them. After all, aren’t they all vegetables?
Here’s what you should know about each.
Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables tend to be more processed. While these are handy to keep around, they can lack in nutrition over the other fresh or frozen choices. They also tend to have loads more sodium than fresh and frozen varieties. With canned vegetables, try to find options without added sodium to make a healthier choice, if you choose canned vegetables. Or you could rinse canned veggies before cooking/eating.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh veggies are usually the best choice, but not always — they can lose a lot of their nutrients before they’re consumed. Sometimes it takes up to two weeks for them to get to your table from the time they’re picked. In this time frame, they can lose up to 50% of their nutrients.
To keep their nutrient powers intact, cook them for shorter times and at lower temperatures. You could use very little water to keep vitamin C and B vitamins from disappearing too. Steaming is a much better option than boiling, though if you need to boil your veggies, add them after the water begins to boil.
One of the best ways to get the most nutrients from your fresh vegetables though is buying them locally and while they’re in season. Make use of the freshest vegetables available to you for the best taste and most nutrition.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies tend to retain the highest proportion of nutrients. They’re usually frozen right after harvesting to keep them fresh. But beware, they may be processed with additives like extra salt or sauces. Always read the labelsto see what you’re getting, and look for brands that keep things as natural as possible.
You can freeze your fresh vegetables from the farmers market, too. This will ensure nothing goes to waste and that you can enjoy them without losing vital nutrients. Yay for great veggies after summer!
When it comes to vegetables, the bottom line is that getting them onto your plate is most important.If canned is the only option you have in your house while making dinner, it’s better to eat it than to skip a serving of vegetables. Start where you are and what you have available.
In my house, we tend to use fresh most often. But I also use frozen veggies during the week too.
So, do you reach for the canned, fresh, or frozen veggies?
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