In a perfect world, we would always eat fresh produce, but on those nights when there’s just no time to spare, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are the way to go for many of us. But, are we sacrificing nutrition for quick and easy meals?
“It is assumed that fresh fruit and vegetables are better for you than canned or frozen, but the truth is that the nutrient content of canned and frozen is comparable to fresh,” says Angela Ginn, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Canned produce is processed immediately after harvesting. Canned tomatoes are packed with more lycopene compared to fresh. Frozen is picked at the peak of ripeness and frozen spinach is filled with abundance of vitamin K compared to the fresh variety.”
Ginn says that, “Whether you choose fresh, frozen or canned, you can still reap the benefits of preventing chronic diseases with each bite.”
The Bottom Line: Take advantage of eating fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season because before you know it, the cold weather will be here and fresh produce becomes limited and pricier in many places. Gone are the days when you have to feel guilty about eating canned and frozen fruits and vegetables.
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