Frozen Foods Keep Blood Sugar Under Control

The nutrition and health website eatingwell.com published a report outlining a list of the best frozen foods that help regulate blood sugar levels, based on recommendations from registered dietitians. The report emphasized that frozen foods are no longer what they used to be; rather, they have become a healthy and economical option that saves time and reduces food waste, provided that varieties free from added sugars, fats, and sauces are chosen.

Experts explained that frozen vegetables and fruits are typically harvested at peak ripeness, then blanched or quickly frozen to preserve their quality, flavor, and nutritional value. Frozen broccoli topped the recommended options, noted for being pre-cut to save preparation time. One cup of frozen broccoli contains more than 5 grams of fiber, as well as sulforaphane, a compound that may help manage blood sugar and insulin resistance.

The benefits extend beyond broccoli to include frozen spinach, which shrinks significantly when cooked. This allows for larger servings compared to fresh spinach; one cup of cooked frozen spinach provides 8 grams of fiber, compared to less than half a gram in a cup of fresh spinach. The report also suggested adding frozen spinach to soups and stews to enhance their nutritional value.

The report concluded that choosing appropriate frozen vegetables can be a smart step in a healthy diet, particularly for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, while stressing the importance of reading food labels to ensure products are free from added sugars and saturated fats.