In the lockdown, people are storing more such things, which can last longer. That is why, people are buying tinned fruits and frozen food too much. From frozen peas to burger tikkis and french fries, they are widely used in Indian households. However, many people consider them less healthy than fresh vegetables. But, is it true? Are Tinned Vegetables and Frozen Food Really Bad for Health? And which of these two is the right one to consume?

Which is healthier between tinned and frozen vegetables?

As fresh vegetables and fruits are considered the best and healthy. But, as soon as they are plucked from the branch of the tree. By the way, the amount of these nutrients gradually starts decreasing. That is why, if they are cooked after some time after breaking, the nutritional content of them may be slightly reduced.

After being harvested, fruits and vegetables use their nutrients to try to keep their cells alive. However, some nutrients like vitamin C are affected by exposure to air and sunlight. However, when they are kept in the fridge, this process of breakdown of nutrients slows down.

Know what happens in freezing?

In 2007, researcher Davis associated with the University of California, taking into account many studies related to vegetables, fruits and herbs, stated that if vegetables like spinach are kept at room temperature, their vitamin C is completely lost in 7 days.. Whereas, keeping it in the fridge reduces it by 85 percent in 7 days. Whereas, carrots kept at room temperature have only 27% less vitamin C in the same period.

Actually, the process of oxidation stops during freezing. Due to which the color of things kept in the freezer starts changing.

However, in the commercial speed freezing process, it is frozen within a few hours after breaking the vegetables. During this, after cleaning the vegetables, they are dried very quickly at high temperature. In this process additional enzymes are inactivated. Due to which, the color and texture of the vegetables do not change. Nutrient levels are also reduced in this process. But, it cannot be considered much less nutritious than the vegetable that reaches your plate from the farm.

How nutritious are canned or tinned vegetables?:

When, vegetables are packed in tin boxes. So, more amount of heat is given to these coaches. Due to which, the loss of nutrition is also more. However, the speed of nutrient loss from different vegetables is also different. Apart from this, sugar and salt are used in large quantities as preservatives in canned food. Which can also be harmful to health.

 

However, experts are also of the opinion that it is best if you consume fresh, local and seasonal vegetables and fruits. Similarly, you can also cook a balanced mix of healthy grains and canned or frozen vegetables while cooking. With this, your daily requirement of nutrition will be met. But, the most important thing is to consume fruits and vegetables, which are very important for your health.

Apart from this, there are seven big problems, which are caused by eating frozen food. like:

1. Diabetes Risk

Starch is used to keep frozen food fresh. This starch helps add flavor and texture to food. Starch is converted into sugar before being digested. Any increase in sugar levels can put you at risk of diabetes.

2. Risk of Heart Disease

, “Packaged or frozen foods contain trans fats that increase the risk of heart disease, and are also linked to clogging of arteries. This fat increases the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body and lowers the good cholesterol (HDL). All of this contributes to heart disease. Such foods are also high in sodium, which can also increase cholesterol levels in the body. ,

3. Weight gain or obesity

Frozen foods are high in fat. These foods have almost double the ratio of fat to carbs and protein, which is why they are loaded with calories.

 

You should think twice before eating frozen food.

4. Very Low Nutritional Value

Freezing food for a long time can destroy some of the important vitamins and minerals in items. Therefore, frozen foods are not as nutritious as fresh foods.

5. Doesn’t taste as good as fresh food

Fresh food obviously has a great aroma and taste, which frozen food does not. These foods may not even taste good when compared to fresh food. The crunch and taste of fresh food can’t match that of frozen foods.

6. Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Ms Chopra explains: “Research shows that eating frozen food can lead to pancreatic cancer. Frozen sausage, salami or other items may increase the risk of cancer. This is usually due to the chemicals used in these frozen foods. Corn syrup present in frozen food also exhibits carcinogenic tendency.”

7. Raises Blood Pressure

According to studies, frozen foods can increase blood pressure because of their high sodium content. Consuming too much sodium also increases the risk of other medical conditions like stroke and heart diseases.

 

Eating frozen food can lead to weight gain.

Food cannot last forever. Each food has its own shelf life, simply frozen varieties tend to last longer than fresh food. The shelf life of some frozen foods is as follows:

• Vegetables – 3 to 4 months
• Fruits – 4 to 5 months
• Fish – about 4 months
• Meat – 4 to 6 months
• Ready meals – 3 to 4 months
• Dairy products – 2 to 3 months

“Always read and follow the directions on frozen food packages. When microwaving, remember to cover the food with a plate to generate moist heat, which helps kill harmful bacteria. While cooking, keep stirring and rotating the food so that no cold spots remain.”

People with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, cancer etc should avoid eating frozen food. Also, if one has a family history of such diseases, one should be extra careful about the amount of frozen food consumed.