Does the Cooking Process Destroy the Nutrients in Food

It depends. The way that you prep food for cooking as well as the cooking process itself can greatly impact whether or not the nutrients are destroyed. For instance, some forms of food preparation techniques that destroy nutrients in food include rinsing in hot water, scrubbing, soaking...

It depends. The way that you prep food for cooking as well as the cooking process itself can greatly impact whether or not the nutrients are destroyed. For instance, some forms of food preparation techniques that destroy nutrients in food include rinsing in hot water, scrubbing, soaking, pre-washing too far in advance, refrigeration of some starchy vegetables, excessive peeling and exposure to air and light. All of these food prep techniques can and do destroy the nutrients in food. So by rinsing in cool water; peeling just beneath the surface and only when necessary; not soaking chopped, peeled or sliced veggies; pre-washing just before cooking, and storing starchy vegetables like potatoes, squash and onions in dark, well-ventilated spaces you can preserve a significant amount of your foods'' nutrients.

Some cooking practices as well as the type of cookware used can also destroy the nutrients in food. For instance, baking isn''t a good cooking method because the long cooking time kills nutrients. Much like baking, boiling also destroys nutrients. The prolonged cooking time and nutrients go into water so nearly 80% of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients are lost to this cooking method. Also, cooking in copper pots destroy vitamins. So by cooking in stainless steel, glass or enamel cookware; steaming, sauteing or stir-frying; and even eating more raw fruits and vegetables you can greatly reduce the amount of nutrients lost to cooking techniques.

Preserving nutrients when preparing food is vital. As you can see many things rob food of nutrients. Though there will always be some degree of nutrient degradation anytime you prepare and cook food there are several ways to maximize the nutrient retention of your food. The nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are necessary to support the human body therefore, preserving them in the manner of preparation, cooking and storage is vital to our nutritional health. Of equal importance is taking care when shopping to pick fruits and vegetables that are bright in color, crisp, firm in texture and free of bruising, cracks and insect bites. Nonetheless, despite all of this don''t drive yourself over the deep-end trying to rescue the nutrients. What''s most important is that you take whatever steps that you can to minimize nutrient degradation and enjoy the deliciousness of eating.

Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Transitional Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans and Healthy Eating eBook or to INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to www.AmirahBFit.com