Written by Sarah Reinhardt, Registered Dietitian
Q: “Is it true that fresh fruits and vegetables are healthiest for you? When is it okay to buy them frozen or canned?
A: It’s true that fresh fruits and vegetables can offer certain advantages: they may look more appealing, and are often ready-to-eat. But is it true that they are necessarily healthier?
It depends. Much of our “fresh” produce actually travels a great distance to get to us; according to some estimates, the average American meal travels about 1500 miles total from farm to plate. And when fruits and vegetables make that journey, their quality and nutritional value can deteriorate over time.
Frozen or canned produce, on the other hand, is often processed shortly after being harvested, when the fruit or vegetable is at peak nutritional value – meaning when you open that can or bag, what you’re getting may actually be healthier than its fresh counterpart.
The catch? Processed produce might give you more than you bargained for. Always read your ingredient labels, and watch out for added sugars, sodium, and any other preservatives that don’t belong in your fruits and veggies.
Want to see your nutrition question answered on the blog or in next month’s newsletter? Email YMCA Registered Dietitian Sarah Reinhardt at sreinhardt@ymcadetroit.org.