The 6 Best Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Veggies

The 6 Best Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Veggies

Inflammation is a hot topic in the world of wellness, and for good reason. While some inflammation is normal and necessary, prolonged low-grade inflammation can put you at higher risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Luckily, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help keep chronic inflammation at bay. One of the easiest ways to do this is by adding frozen vegetables to your meals. But not all frozen veggies are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore the 6 best anti-inflammatory frozen veggies you can stock up on, plus tips for adding them to your diet.

- Advertisement -

The Best Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Veggies

Green Beans

Green beans may not get as much attention as other green veggies, but they’re packed with anti-inflammatory compounds. One cup of cooked green beans provides over 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help lower inflammation.

Try using frozen green beans in this Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry or Dijon Salmon with Green Bean Pilaf.

Sweet Potatoes

While white potatoes are often shunned due to their carb content, sweet potatoes have largely avoided this fate. These colorful spuds are packed with vitamins A and C, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. Plus, they’re a good source of fiber and contain resistant starch, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Toss frozen sweet potatoes into this Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili or roast them for this Winter Kale & Quinoa Salad with Avocado.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Blend

Broccoli and cauliflower are both members of the cruciferous vegetable family, making them a dynamic duo when it comes to fighting inflammation. They’re both rich in vitamin C and contain anti-inflammatory compounds like sulforaphane.

Put that bag of broccoli and cauliflower to good use in this Balsamic Broccoli & Cauliflower or whip up a pot of this Broccoli-Cauliflower Soup.

Bell Pepper and Onion Blend

Bell peppers and onions are a match made in heaven when it comes to fighting inflammation. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and contain a flavonoid called quercetin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation. Onions, on the other hand, are rich in quercetin and contain a compound called kaempferol, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pick up a bag of frozen bell pepper and onion blend to add to this easy Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Salmon with Green Beans.

Leafy Greens

Frozen spinach isn’t the only leafy green that’s worth stocking up on. Kale and collard greens are also great options, especially when it comes to adding anti-inflammatory compounds to your diet.

You can easily swap frozen kale for fresh in this Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup or stir some frozen collard greens into this Savory Oatmeal with Cheddar, Collards & Eggs.

Green Peas

Green peas may be small, but they’re a powerhouse when it comes to fighting inflammation. They provide soluble fiber for beneficial gut bacteria and are a great source of heart-healthy plant protein.

Of course, they’re a quick and easy side dish, but they’re also a genius ingredient to keep in your freezer for making salads. Need more ideas? This guide to cooking peas provides plenty of tips to help you make the most of your freezer stash.

Tips for Adding Veggies to Your Diet

Bulk up your soup: Whether you’re enjoying homemade or canned soup, toss in some frozen veggies to boost fiber and antioxidants.
Season and roast: Don’t bother thawing your frozen veggies before roasting them – it’s key to making a crunchy roasted veggie from frozen!
Just add eggs: Pair frozen veggies with eggs for a healthy yet quick meal option. Fold frozen veggies into your next omelet, scrambled eggs, or these Air-Fryer Spinach-Pepper Egg Bites.
Blend them into a smoothie: Your smoothie’s fruit already offers some anti-inflammatory benefits, but you can optimize it even more by adding some frozen veggies. Frozen kale or spinach are popular add-ins, but we recommend giving others a try. Try our favorite Berry-Banana Cauliflower Smoothie.

The Bottom Line

Frozen veggies are just as nutrient-rich as their fresh counterparts, plus they’re cost-effective and super convenient. So, buying frozen veggies may just help you score more vegetables and tamp down inflammation at the same time. Stock your freezer with green beans, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and peas. While you’re at it, load up on a chopped bell pepper-onion or broccoli-cauliflower blend – they’re all easy ways to put the brakes on inflammation in no time!

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of adding frozen veggies to my diet?
A: Frozen veggies are just as nutrient-rich as their fresh counterparts, and they’re cost-effective and super convenient. They can help you score more vegetables and tamp down inflammation.

Q: Can I just use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
A: Fresh veggies are always a great option, but frozen veggies can be just as nutritious and convenient. Plus, they’re often cheaper and have a longer shelf life.

Q: Are all frozen veggies created equal?
A: No, not all frozen veggies are created equal. Look for veggies that are labeled "flash frozen" or "quick frozen" to ensure they’re at their peak nutritional value.

Q: Can I use frozen veggies in my smoothies?
A: Absolutely! Frozen veggies can be a great addition to your smoothies, and they can help boost their nutritional value. Try using frozen kale or spinach for a green smoothie, or add frozen peas for a boost of protein and fiber.