the current dieting fad is that food when eaten raw is healthy. But there is now a study that shows that there are foods that are more nutritious when cooked. Researchers in Italy studied preparation methods of three vegetables--carrot, zucchini and broccoli--and came to the conclusion.
Researchers from the University of Parna and University of Napoli, Italy, studied the impact of boiling, steaming and frying on the chemical compounds--polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, carotenoids and ascorbic acids--in the vegetables. They found while carrot and zucchini go down well when boiled, broccoli tastes and nourishes best when steamed.
The chemicals, though not considered essential nutrients, are beneficial for human health. Polyphenols, for instance, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids contribute to the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and carotenoids and ascorbic acids are known anti-oxidants.
The study indicated that boiling vegetables best preserves anti-oxidant compounds, particularly carotenoid, in all the three vegetables. "Carotenoid compounds significantly increased in boiled and steamed broccoli, compared to raw ones," writes Christina Miglio in the research paper. The paper was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (Vol 56, No 24). The observations include:
Ascorbic acid levels in zucchini was found to be higher when boiled than when steamed or fried. When boiled, it was 186.5 mg in 100 g, steamed 165.6 mg, and fried167 mg. Raw zucchini had 193.8 mg.
Phenolic compounds in raw broccoli was 99.8 mg in 100 g. When boiled, it went down to 27 mg, steamed 61.8 mg and fried 40.3 mg
Carotenoid levels in raw carrots were found to be 117.9 mg in 100 g of carrot. After boiling, it increased to 134.1 mg
In all cases fried foods were found to be the least nutritious
Shikha Sharma, a nutritionist in Delhi, says the study, however, cannot be compared to Indian cooking methods, which go beyond boiling or steaming. Vegetables can still be steamed but pulses need to be cooked properly to break down the protein for digestion. The same goes for fish and meat. Sharma says traditional Indian cooking is quite healthy--less oil and plenty of spices and herbs.
"We saut and then steam vegetables before cooking further and the useful chemical compounds are retained," says Sharma.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.