Did you know that when and how you eat your vegetables can affect how much nutrition you absorb? From garden to grocery store, nutrient levels change fast. At Van Chiropractic Clinic in Billings MT, we help you make informed, simple choices for maximizing nutrition—without the stress.
Fresh Is Best
As soon as vegetables are harvested, they start to lose nutrients—especially antioxidants. Eating them as close to harvest as possible ensures you’re getting the most benefit. A backyard garden is ideal, but if that’s not feasible, farmers’ markets are the next best option.
The Surprising Truth About Frozen Veggies
Frozen vegetables often retain more nutrients than store-bought “fresh” ones shipped long distances. That’s because they’re flash frozen right after harvest, preserving valuable vitamins and minerals. For example, frozen peas often outshine their “fresh” counterparts from across the country.
Raw vs. Cooked – What’s Better?
Cooking vegetables for too long can deplete their nutrients—especially water-soluble vitamins. Light steaming is often best. However, some veggies like tomatoes actually become more nutritious when cooked, thanks to increased lycopene availability.
Canned Foods – Last Resort
Canned vegetables generally lose the most nutrients due to high-heat processing. Water-soluble vitamins are especially vulnerable. If raw or frozen vegetables aren’t an option, lightly cooked canned veggies are still better than skipping them altogether.
Nutrition Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Healthy eating is about consistency and smart choices—not perfection. Whether you’re choosing frozen over fresh or deciding how to cook your carrots, our team is here to help you feel confident in your decisions and nourish your body well.
Have questions about nutrition, healthy habits, or meal planning in Billings MT? Call Van Chiropractic Clinic today at (406) 656-7000 and speak with our wellness team. Your journey to better health starts here!
In Health,
Dr. Grey Gardner