Buzz
Most people generally believe that frozen foods have lower nutritional content than fresh foods. However, numerous studies have indicated that this is not accurate; in fact, frozen foods have several superior advantages over fresh foods.
Are nutrients in frozen foods less than fresh foods?
The answer is no.
Research by the USDA indicates that all frozen food items stored below 0 degrees F (equivalent to -18 degrees C to 0 degrees C) are safe, avoiding any bacterial decay or disease-causing bacteria. Frozen meat still contains nutrients such as protein, minerals, vitamin A, and A. Freezing does not affect the quality of the meat. Fats and red meat typically have relatively low water content, so fewer ice crystals are formed, which do not alter cell membranes, and do not compromise the texture and flavor of the food.
Many consumers fear that frozen foods, especially meat, no longer have the delicious, sweet, and nutritious taste of fresh meat.
Scientists in England affirm that this fear is entirely psychological. Consumers are accustomed to the idea of fresh meat. Meat begins to decay as soon as it leaves the slaughterhouse. Consumers should avoid buying meat from outside markets that has been slaughtered for more than 8 hours in a normal environment because the density of disease-causing bacteria in the meat is very high at this time, and nutrients have also been depleted. However, experts confirm that consumers should use frozen meat within 6 months before it deteriorates. Although the nutrients of the food are not affected, after this time, the meat will release more water and lose its taste due to the accumulation of more ice crystals.
Many people will be surprised to learn that the antioxidant content in frozen products is even higher than that of fresh fruits and vegetables. Specifically, on the third storage day, two-thirds of frozen foods have higher levels of vitamin C, polyphenols, anthocyanins, lutein, and beta-carotene. These are all useful nutrients in the antioxidant process. Frozen fruits and vegetables are preserved immediately after harvest, so their nutritional value does not change much.
At standard temperature (-18°C), nutrients and vitamins from fruits and vegetables are immediately frozen.
For frozen fruits and vegetables, the nutritional value is retained the highest compared to other preservation methods such as drying, pickling… whereas for meat and fish, although freezing is the best method, it still leads to some sensory changes such as changes in smell, taste, and texture in frozen fish or meat (slightly deteriorated smell, drier texture).
5 frozen foods with more nutrients than fresh foods
A study compared the content of 8 types of frozen fruits and vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, bell pepper, carrot, green peas, strawberries, and blueberries. The results showed that the Vitamin C content in 5 frozen products such as cauliflower, bell pepper, spinach, green peas, and blueberries is higher than in equivalent fresh products; the vitamin B content in frozen spinach is higher than fresh spinach, specifically as follows.
Beans
Frozen beans provide less sodium but more iron and fiber compared to canned beans.
Bell Pepper
Rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, frozen bell peppers retain their nutritional value longer than fresh ones.
Blueberry
Freezing blueberries is a way to maximize the nutritional benefits of this type of food. Frozen blueberries retain more antioxidants.
Broccoli
Broccoli is very rich in sulforaphane compounds, which are believed to help fight cancer. However, the potency of this compound diminishes over time. But if frozen, broccoli still retains its nutritional benefits longer.
Duckweed vegetables
Duckweed vegetables begin to lose antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C and beta-carotene after harvest, but freezing them immediately after harvest is a way to preserve nutrients for several weeks.
Some frozen foods have higher nutrient levels than fresh foods
An expert affirmed: 'In terms of nutrient content, frozen foods do not spoil because it is just a modern method of preserving vitamins and minerals'. Freezing food will freeze moisture inside the food and form ice crystals. These crystals help protect the nutritional structure and flavor of the food. Therefore, it can be reaffirmed that the nutrients in frozen foods are not inferior to fresh products. So, don't hesitate to use frozen food items for your family meals!
