Vegetables are an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. They are low in fat and calories, contain no cholesterol and are rich in vitamins like A and C, and minerals and fiber.
But exactly what form of vegetables are best? Are there more vitamins in fresh, canned or frozen vegetables?
Most people believe that fresh vegetables are the best option because they have not been tampered with or processed.
This is true if you are purchasing local, native produce from a farmers market or are picking them straight from your backyard garden.
However, if you are getting your vegetables from a grocery store or buying a non-native vegetable, this might not be the case.
The nutritional value of fresh vegetables is determined by their seasonality and availability in the area. Many vegetables have travelled far distances to land in the produce section of your chain grocery store.
When the vegetables are shipped across the country, they are exposed to extreme temperatures which release their important nutrients like vitamin A and C.