Freezer foods GP always keeps to live 'longer and healthier'

A doctor has claimed that there are five types of food people should keep in their freezers to help lead a "longer and healthier" life. Most are affordable options that can be used to add extra benefits to meals.

Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said many longevity-focused foods are ideal for freezing. She said that frozen foods are often underestimated for their support of healthy ageing, and that having a well-stocked freezer may be one of the simplest ways to improve long-term health and reduce reliance on ultra-processed convenience foods.

She said: "People often assume fresh is always best, but frozen foods can be incredibly nutritious and are a great way to make healthy choices more convenient. Many frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen very quickly, helping to preserve nutrients."

Dr Maula claims that one of the most important factors in healthy ageing is consistency rather than perfection. She said: "The healthiest diets are usually the ones people can stick to long term.

"Having nutritious foods available in the freezer means you’re less reliant on takeaways, ultra-processed convenience foods or whatever happens to be in the cupboard. People often look for one magic ingredient, but long-term health is usually built through small habits repeated consistently over many years. A well-stocked freezer can be a surprisingly effective part of that."

According to Dr Maula, berries are one of the best foods to keep on hand. Most supermarkets sell prepacked frozen strawberries, blueberries and other mixed varieties.

She said: "Berries contain fibre and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which have been linked to a range of health benefits. They’re easy to add to porridge, yoghurt or smoothies, and frozen berries are often much more affordable than fresh."

Leafy greens are a staple of many longevity-focused diets. Frozen spinach offers a simple way to increase vegetable intake.

Dr Maula said: "Spinach contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and frozen spinach is incredibly versatile. It can be added to soups, stews, curries, pasta sauces or omelettes without much preparation."

Dr Maula said edamame is one of her favourite freezer staples because it combines convenience with nutrition. She suggested keeping them on hand for dishes like salads, stir-fries or grain bowls.

She added: "Edamame provides plant protein and fibre, which can help support satiety and overall health."

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While often overlooked, frozen mixed vegetables can be one of the healthiest items in the freezer. She added that variety is important for overall health and gut diversity.

Dr Maula said: "One of the biggest barriers to healthy eating is convenience. Having vegetables already prepared and ready to cook makes it much easier to include them in meals."

Oily fish such as salmon can also be a useful freezer staple. Dr Maula said: “Fish provides high-quality protein and important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. Keeping frozen portions available can make it easier to include fish in your diet regularly."