One popular vegetable is actually healthier frozen rather than fresh

While vegetables are typically most nutritious when consumed raw or cooked, there's one that actually packs a greater nutritional punch when frozen.

This common leafy green, often found in breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, ranks 45th in terms of nutrition in its fresh state. However, when frozen, it jumps to the 24th spot!

Spinach, a salad staple rich in magnesium, folate, vitamin A, beta carotene, and zeazanthin, surprisingly benefits from freezing.

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The process helps to preserve its nutrients, which is why frozen spinach outperforms its fresh counterpart, according to the BBC. Frozen spinach boasts a nutritional score of 64, compared to fresh spinach's 59.

It's packed with vitamin K, crucial for bone health and blood clotting, as well as vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health, Surrey Live reports. Additionally, spinach provides iron, essential for red blood cell production, magnesium, which aids muscle and nerve function, and calcium, vital for strong bones.

The reason frozen spinach is healthier lies in nutrient retention. The vegetable is quickly frozen post-harvest, locking in nutrients, while fresh spinach can lose nutrients during transport and storage, a study at Pennsylvania State University revealed.

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

If you're considering a dietary overhaul this new year, Swiss chard might be worth adding to your shopping list. This leafy green has earned high praise with a nutritional score of 78, brimming with vitamins A, C, K, and E, and particularly rich in Vitamin K – crucial for blood clotting and bone strength.

What's more, Swiss chard boasts a unique compound thought to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion. For those on a weight loss mission or aiming to maintain a healthy weight, it’s an excellent choice, providing essential nutrients without the burden of too many calories.