The frozen food aisle in supermarkets has long had a bad reputation. A recent survey revealed that 84 percent of shoppers mistakenly believe that fresh products are healthier than frozen ones. This misconception has been debunked by leading British dietitian and bestselling author Rhiannon Lambert.
She pointed out that the benefits of frozen foods extend beyond just fruits and vegetables. Meat and fish can also be healthier when frozen.
What the Expert Shared
“Fresh meat loses nutrients over time. However, freezing or purchasing frozen meat helps preserve both its nutrients and flavor,” claims Lambert.
According to her, buying beef or chicken from the frozen food section can help avoid additives and preservatives that manufacturers often add to fresh meat. Meanwhile, freezing fish allows beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3s, to remain active.
“Recent research has shown that the majority of omega-3 in fish remains active even after three months of freezing,” the dietitian added.
What About Vegetables and Fruits?
Rhiannon Lambert noted that frozen broccoli, sweet corn, and edamame beans retain maximum nutritional value.
It turns out that frozen broccoli often contains more riboflavin (vitamin B2) than its fresh counterpart. Riboflavin is essential for digestive and brain health, the expert pointed out.
She recommended placing broccoli in the freezer as fresh as possible (ideally, right after harvest). “This helps preserve the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for a longer period,” said Lambert.
Meanwhile, she stated that frozen peas contain just as many important nutrients (such as vitamin C) as fresh ones.
As Lambert explained, when corn is frozen, it is at its peak ripeness, preserving its natural flavor and nutrient content.
“Frozen corn contains more vitamin C than fresh corn; in fact, fresh corn loses about 50 percent of its sugar within just 12 hours after harvest. So, frozen corn is often a much more viable option,” the Daily Mail quoted the expert.
For fans of East Asian edamame soybeans, she advised purchasing them in frozen form. By the way, as the expert reminded, soy helps reduce symptoms of premenopause or menopause in women.
Fresh spinach not only spoils quickly but also loses nutrients rapidly. However, buying frozen spinach can preserve the food’s nutritional value, including vitamin C and folic acid, for several months.
Overall, the news is positive. The expert, who has studied this issue for many years, believes that people should shed their stereotypes about the unhealthiness of frozen foods.