If you can picture the food you are buying growing, then most likely it is a whole food and has not been processed. Food in this original state is in one of its’ highest and healthiest nutritional forms especially when it has just been picked at peak ripeness.
Processing a food changes it in some way from its’ original form resulting in a devitalized food of lower nutritional value. An example of processing is turning whole grains into a flaked cereal or taking fresh vegetables and putting them in a can. This is often done to extend the shelf-life of a product and/or to make it more convenient for the consumer to prepare and eat it.
So what are the best options? The ultimate option, is growing your own vegetables or purchasing from a local farmer. If those aren’t possibilities then fresh organic vegetables grown as close to home as possible are a good alternative. Frozen vegetables can also be a good option since much of the nutrient content is preserved when vegetables are frozen right after picking.
