Does Cooked Food Lose Its Nutrition?

Nutrition

oi-Amrisha Sharma

By Amrisha Sharma

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 17:57

It is believed that cooked food loses its nutritional value. It this belief does not imply on all the food dishes. All food items are packed with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fats and vitamins and can are either consumed raw or cooked.

Some cooked food nutrition is lost after cooking so it is very important to retain the cooked food nutrition for a healthy food. Ways to retain the cooked food nutrition value is by:

• Steaming, grilling, microwaving or roasting.

• Boiling food burns the nutrients of the vegetables so avoid boiling. However, if one is boiling, use the boiled water instead of throwing it in the sink as the minerals and nutrients settle in the water while boiling.

• Instead of peeling the outer skin of vegetables, scrub and wash them properly to keep the nutrients like fiber and minerals.

• Light cooking and proper storing of the food maintains the nutritional value of the dishes. Eating freshly cooked food is beneficial for the body. Don;'t sore the food for more than 2-3 hours.

• Freezing,pasteurization, fertilizers, milling, canning and dehydrated vegetables, affect the cooked food's nutrition value.

• Organic food and vegetables are healthy and goos source of natural nutrients. Instead of synthetic and inorganic food, go for organic food items.

• Effect of cooking on digestive system is important to know as the nutrients of the food can be absorbed by the body after digestion so know the digestibility of the cooked food.

• Cereals like wheat, corn (maize), pearl millet, African yam beans, mucuna seeds, soybeans and sunflower seed are few food items which retain the food nutrition after cooking on light flame.

So, not all cooked food nutrition value is lost after its preparation. The method used for cooking also matters when the food nutrition is counted. Cook at light flame below 40° C and enjoy the nutritional benefits of the food dishes with taste.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.