Is frozen food hazardous to my health?
Frozen food, also known as TV dinner, has taken over most kitchens these days. However, when it comes to nutritional content, people believe fresh food to be better. But fresh isn’t always the best option—or the most convenient.
Since frozen food’s popularity is at an all-time high, it pays to be informed about the food you’re eating. What sets frozen food apart from fresh food?
What are frozen foods?
These are foods taken through a freezing process and stored at the temperature prescribed for the food. To ensure the compliance of such food with the requirements, the period of freezing must be as short as possible. They may include fruits, vegetables, snacks, or even a full-blown meal.
It is an affordable way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. With so many choices in the frozen food aisle, there are plenty of opportunities to find something you like.
Also, they are perfect for those who do not have time to go to the supermarket daily; since you can store them for long periods without deterioration.
What are the benefits of freezing foods?
They are beneficial in so many ways, but I’ll be taking you through my top 4.
1. Easy and Flexible
Frozen foods are flexible and are everywhere—at supermarkets and convenience stores. It varies from fruits to vegetables and even to a full-blown meal. Zero cooking is involved, nor is washing up pots and pans at the end. They can be cooked in the microwave or oven in no time at all.
2. Highly Nutritional
Freezing typically retains their vitamins and minerals, and their carbohydrate, protein, and fat content are unchanged. In some cases, they contain more vitamins and minerals than fresh foods because fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time, whereas freezing retains nutrients.
3. High Quality
Generally, we decide what we eat based on “freshness.” However, it is a common myth that all fresh foods are more nutritious and tastier than frozen foods. Many studies comparing fresh and frozen vegetables found no difference in nutrient content, as both contained the same vitamins and minerals. Freezing is nature’s way of preserving food. Humans have been freezing food for thousands of years.
4. Cost-effective
They are a convenient and affordable way to incorporate healthy foods from all groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy. It is not only cheaper but it also helps reduce food loss.
Even with the long list of benefits, we can agree that so many people still have a problem consuming them. Follow me closely as I uncover some health concerns associated with frozen foods and the truth behind them.
Are frozen foods hazardous to my health?
Frozen foods are not hazardous to your health. Frozen food is just as nutritious as fresh food. This misconception may come from the fact that we see “fresh” produce in grocery stores only a few days after it’s picked. The truth is, most fruits and vegetables are frozen within hours of being harvested at their peak ripeness.
Frozen foods contain the same nutrients as their fresh counterparts, but they do lose some vitamins and minerals over time because they’re not exposed to natural air and light like fresh produce. This loss of nutrients is very small and doesn’t affect the overall quality of the food. In fact, freezing preserves nutrients better than canning does, according to experts at the Institute of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Purdue University.
Other frozen food myths.
- Frozen food is more expensive
There is a markup for the preparation and freezing process. However, they are a budget-friendly way to eat healthy foods and quick dinners without spending big bucks on off-season produce and restaurant meals. Probably cheaper than fresh. The same applies to summer and winter squash. It’s also, as mentioned, quick-frozen for just a few hours during the post-harvest season, so it’s probably much healthier.
Packaged frozen meals are often much healthier and cheaper than takeout or delivery. Save money and calories ( and possibly fat and sodium) and stock up on family favorites from the freezer for nights when dinner is too tasking.
2. Frozen meals are pumped with chemicals.
That used to be the case. But today, you can find healthy alternatives that are minimally processed tucked away in the frozen section.
Read food labels before buying. Look for unnecessary preservatives and additives, and return them when you find them. A number of health food companies have found innovative ways to freeze food without these unwanted ingredients. Freezing is itself a preservation technique. You can find healthy, minimally processed foods if you search.
Wrapping up
We have established that the cold chain for freezing food must be optimized at all times. Freezing right after harvesting or processing requires an effective storage facility in order to retain its nutrients and prolong its shelf life.
At Ofin Global, we produce durable and highly effective cold storage facilities. We remain the number one choice of many cold room businesses all around Nigeria.
If you need a professional HVAC/R company to help you maintain, build, or install a cold storage facility, then you should talk to us.
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