What could be better than fresh fruits and vegetables? But are fresh products really fresh? Fruits and vegetables often have to be transported long distances from the field to the supermarket. This is particularly damaging for fragile vitamins such as vitamin C, which are found in particular in peppers, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and citrus fruits. Poor temperature and light conditions, combined with the natural action of oxygen in the ambient air (oxidation), lead to a rapid drop in the level of vitamin C.
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FROZEN FOOD CAN BE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE
When fruits and vegetables are harvested for freezing, they are picked when they are ripe and immediately frozen. This reduces the loss of nutrients. Recall that deep freezing is an industrial process, very fast and at very low temperature (-30 ° C) which does not damage the cells of food.
If you don’t eat fresh fruits and vegetables quickly after buying them, you may want to opt for frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen foods contain more vitamins and minerals than fresh foods that have been stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. A study confirms that foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or green beans, are particularly sensitive to storage conditions and can quickly lose their nutritional value. (2)
Another study found that the antioxidant content of frozen blueberries was even higher than that of fresh blueberries even after three weeks. (3)
Maintaining the cold chain is essential for frozen products. So be sure to bring these products home as quickly as possible, and preferably in an insulated bag.
PAY ATTENTION TO HOW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE PROCESSED
The vitamin and mineral content of the 먹튀사이트 fruits and vegetables you are about to eat depends on how they have been processed. It is better to steam or stew vegetables than boil them. You can also eat them simply raw, as in these delicious salad recipes.
Another option is to ferment certain vegetables, such as sauerkraut or kimchi. Fermented foods are stored in a way that can make them even more nutritious than fresh foods.
Fruits are usually eaten fresh. If you want to eat seasonal fruits like cherries, peaches or pears all year round, you can make preserves. There won’t be a great loss of vitamins, but remember that canned fruit does not keep indefinitely. Be sure to use them within one year. Hermetically sealed jars should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light.
CONCLUSION
A balanced diet should include fresh BUT FROZEN fruits and vegetables. For fresh products, pay attention to the season and where they come from. Favor short circuits, local and if possible organic products: become a member of an AMAP to support local agriculture! The transport of fresh products over very long distances has an impact on the quantity of available nutrients and therefore on the quality but also the benefits that you are entitled to expect from fresh fruits and vegetables.
Be careful with ready-made frozen meals made from vegetables because they often contain a lot of fat, salt, additives and also hidden sugars. Always read the ingredient list before buying frozen meals. Instead, prefer raw, unprocessed frozen fruits or vegetables.
