Vegetables and fruit are foods that help maintain a healthy body. Usually, people will prefer fresh vegetables and fruits when shopping at super meals. People tend not to choose frozen vegetables and fruits because they are not good for health. But as it turns out, the nutrient content in frozen vegetables and fruit does not decrease at all. A new technique in freezing vegetables and fruits such as vegetable blanching does not involve chemicals. A research from the California University compares nutrition to eight frozen and fresh vegetables and fruits. This research studied corn, spinach, broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas, blueberries, and strawberries. From the results of the study, there were no consistent and slight differences between frozen and fresh vegetables.
In fact, vitamin C content is higher in green beans, corn, and frozen blueberries than fresh ones. In addition, the content of vitamin B is also more contained in frozen broccoli than fresh ones. Other results indicate that fiber and the content of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in frozen vegetables and fruits do not have a large difference with the content of fresh vegetables and fruit. Those who like to eat frozen fruits and vegetables consider that freezing will stop the decay process. Frozen vegetables and fruits, if stored properly in the refrigerator, can retain the vitamins and minerals in them.
Get These Benefits from Frozen Lettuce
One of the best-frozen vegetables that you can find in the supermarket is lettuce. Frozen lettuce can be your favorite vegetable since it has so many benefits. What are the benefits of frozen lettuce?
- Source of vitamin A
Lettuce is a vegetable that is rich in vitamins. Frozen lettuce contains lots of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Vitamin A helps in improving skin health and your vision.
- Prevent aging
Lettuce contains zeaxanthin which has antioxidant properties. This substance is able to prevent aging. Moreover, frozen lettuce is also able to prevent cataracts. In addition, the content of flavonoids in this vegetable can prevent you from lung cancer and oral cancer.
- Strengthen bones
The content of vitamin K in frozen lettuce can strengthen bones since vitamin K will increase the productivity of osteotropic hormones in the bones. This hormone can prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K is also able to prevent neuronal brain damage and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Increase fertility
Frozen lettuce is rich in folate and vitamin C. Folate helps improve fetal health during pregnancy and it also improves the reproductive health of both men and women. While vitamin C is able to enhance the immune system.
- Rich in minerals
Lettuce is a source of various types of minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Potassium is useful for maintaining blood pressure stability and improving heart health. Calcium is useful for strengthening bones and teeth. Meanwhile copper and iron help the production of red blood cells in the body.
How to Choose Frozen Lettuce
At the supermarket, there are various types of frozen vegetables that can be selected, one of them is frozen lettuce. Learn the following tips to get the best-frozen lettuce:
- Choose the loose package
The loose package is important in choosing frozen lettuce so you can use it as needed. Use the ingredients that you want to cook. Then store the rest back in the bag and put it in the freezer.
- Pay attention to the expiration date
Even though it has been frozen, it does not mean that frozen lettuce will not wither and rot. You must know how long the safety limit of frozen lettuce is.
- Don’t choose the package which has an ice layer inside
If the package has an ice layer inside, it means the product has melted, then they refroze them. It indicates a poor storage process. The quality of frozen products that have melted usually has decreased and may be harmful to health. Because the bacteria in it might have spawned when the frozen food melted. When the product removed from the freezer, it will be exposed to air and outside temperatures. It is possible that the vegetables will rot immediately.
If you intend to make vegetable soup, frozen lettuce can be directly put into boiling water without having to thaw it first. This green leafy vegetable is so rich in nutrients and very beneficial for your health.