Whenever we go shopping for groceries, we make it a point that we check the expiry date of foods before buying them. Also, if the meat smell rancid or the curd smells sour, we just throw it away. But little do we know that even the nutrients in the food can expire and the food may lose its nutritive value.
So how does knowing the fact that the nutrients in the food expire affect you? Well now you would know which foodstuff can be stored for a longer period and which foodstuff can't. So here is list of foods which need to be carefully stored.
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Green Tea: The only reason one may drink green tea is because of its antioxidants benefits. According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Science, the antioxidants (especially catechins which are linked with a reduced risk of several types of cancer ) in the green tea lose their value by 32 percent after 6 months. That is because the antioxidants are sensitive to light and oxygen. So make sure you always buy the one which is packed in air tight packages. Once you break the seal, store your green tea in a sealed container in dark and cool areas.
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Orange Juice: Orange juice contains a high percentage of Vitamin C, which helps in boosting your immune system. But once it has been opened, the levels of vitamin C deteriorates rapidly even when it is refrigerated, according to a recent study at Arizona State University. If it is fresh orange juice, it is advisable to drink it up immediately. If it has to be stored, do so in the refrigerator, but within 24 hours the taste of the juice changes. If it is a processed orange juice, drink it within a few days.
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Tomato Ketchup: Tomato ketchup is one item you will find in all households. But the most important nutrient in tomato, lycopene, deteriorates more than 50 percent just after 3 months. Lycopene has been shown to have anti-aging and cancer protecting properties (especially prostate cancer). To be on the safer side buy small bottles of ketchups which have been recently packaged and try to finish them soon. You can even try your hand to make some home made ketchup.
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Olive Oil: For all fitness lovers, Olive oil is a boon. It has a lot of antioxidants and monosaturated fats. But the effectiveness of the antioxidants declines by more than 40 percent in just 6 months after being packed, according to researchers at the University of Foggia in Italy. The best way to store it is to buy them in smaller bottles and keep it away from the stove as it is heat sensitive.
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Strawberry Jams: Who doesn't like strawberries? And the best way to have them throughout the year is by having them in the form of jams. But did you know that they lose up to 12 percent of their health-boosting flavonoids in just after 6 months. Flavonoids (including anthocyanins) in berries contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To reduce this process of degradation, store them in the refrigerator even before opening.
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Dried Herbs and Spices: Spices add life to food. But even spices lose their vitality once the time starts ticking. The capsaicin in chili powder decreases continuously during 9 months of storage and then comes a point where the chili powder starts losing its color. The capsaicin may help improve your digestion and act as an antioxidant, protecting the cells of your body from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals. The best way to store them is to go for air tight bottles or grind some on your own (whole spices retain health benefits and flavor much longer). Store them out of direct light and away from the stove.
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Grains: Whole grains are the new mantra of fitness. Everyone now prefers whole grains over processed ones. But light can degrade riboflavin present in whole grains by 80 percent is just 3 months. The best thing to do is to store them in opaque containers in cool and dark places.
By just taking a little bit of effort in storing your food you can protect the vital nutrients and can make the most of your diet!
