One popular household vegetable is healthier frozen than fresh

Although vegetables are usually best in their raw or cooked form as they preserve their nutrients, one vegetable is actually better when it's frozen.

The popular leaf vegetable that's used for breakfast, lunch or dinner has been rated number 45 in the most nutritious foods in its fresh form. However, it's at number 24 in its frozen form!

Spinach is a salad crop that is high in magnesium, folate, vitamin A and the carotenoids beta carotene and zeazanthin. Surprisingly freezing spinach helps prevent the nutrients within from degrading, which is why frozen spinach ranks higher than fresh spinach, explains the BBC.

Frozen spinach has a nutritional score of 64, whereas fresh spinach has a nutritional score of 59. Spinach is high in vitamin K which is important for bone health and blood clotting, as well as vitamin A which supports vision and immune health.

Spinach also contains iron that's important for red blood cell production, magnesium which supports muscle and nerve function, and calcium that's essential for strong bones.

Frozen spinach is in fact healthier because of nutrient retention. The vegetable is frozen quickly after harvest, which locks in nutrients. whereas fresh spinach can lose nutrients during transportation and storage according to a study at Pennsylvania State University.

Another study found that fresh spinach loses 75% of its vitamin C within a week.

If you're looking to change your eating habits this new year you might want to grab some Swiss chard, another leafy green that's been rated highly. With a robust nutritional score of 78, Swiss chard is replete with vitamins A, C, K, and E, with an especially high concentration of Vitamin K – indispensable for blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.

READ MORE: 'I'm a doctor — this is the number one reason people around the world are obese'

READ MORE: 'I’m a nutritionist — this drink contains 800 calories and 30g of sugar'

Adding to its allure, Swiss chard contains a unique compound believed to stabilise blood sugar levels by decelerating carbohydrate digestion.

Plus, for those embarked on a weight loss journey or seeking to sustain a healthy weight, it’s an excellent option offering vital nutrients without packing excessive calories.