Why frozen fruits and veggies may be better than fresh

(WJBK) - The gardens are empty, and farmer's markets have closed down for the season. This time of year, fresh produce can get expensive and can sometimes also be limited. The age-old question though, of course, is are frozen fruits and veggies just as good for us as the fresh ones? 

Dr. Joel Kahn, America's Healthy Heart Doctor, joined us on The Nine to weigh in. 

He says the nutrients we like to get out of fruits and veggies, like fiber and magnesium, don't break down when they're frozen. 

"The issue has been these magical chemicals in an apple, in blueberries, in broccoli and brussel sprouts. Turns out, sometimes they'll go away a little by freezing; sometimes they'll actually get more concentrated in higher levels," he says.

Dr. Kahn explains some places harvest fruits and veggies and, right in the field, use a multi-million dollar machine to wash, clean and freeze the produce before the truck is even in view. 

"That may be better for you than the blueberries sitting on the shelf that's been there 2-3 weeks," he says. "Don't shy away. Go for 'em, buy em -- and they're less expensive."

Experts recommend five half-cup servings of fruits and veggies a day unless they're leafy greens, which is one cup to be equivelant.