Cooking Times
- Rayki Goh, MSc
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Dear food people,
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a sustainable lifestyle and the key to lasting good health. As both a science and an art, mastering nutrition allows you to achieve natural weight loss with minimal effort.
In this series of articles, we explore vital health and nutrition facts that are commonly overlooked in modern times, offering practical insights to help you effortlessly improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you understand how nutrition works and how to incorporate simple health hacks for a better lifestyle.
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.
Now, let’s get to it~
COOKING TIMES
When cooking, the way we handle heat and time can significantly affect the nutritional value and enjoyment of our meals. Scientifically, it's well established that overcooking foods can lead to a loss of essential nutrients. This happens because prolonged exposure to high temperatures can break down vitamins and minerals, which are vital for our health.
For instance, vitamins such as Vitamin C and some B vitamins are particularly sensitive to heat. When vegetables or fruits are cooked beyond their optimal temperature, these nutrients degrade and diminish. The result isn’t just a nutritional loss but also a change in flavour and texture that can make the food less appetising. This can lead to a phenomenon where you may end up eating more to compensate for the reduced satisfaction of your meal.
To avoid these issues, it's important to cook foods to the recommended temperatures and for the right amount of time. Each type of food has its own ideal cooking time to maximise its nutritional benefits and taste. For example, vegetables like broccoli and carrots are best steamed or cooked briefly to retain their nutrients. Overcooking these vegetables can not only cause a loss of vitamins but also result in a mushy texture that may not be as enjoyable to eat.
In practice, this means being mindful of cooking times and using methods that help preserve the food's integrity. Steaming or microwaving, rather than boiling for extended periods, can be more effective in maintaining both nutrient levels and taste. By following recommended cooking guidelines and avoiding overcooking, you ensure that your meals are both nutritious and satisfying.
3 Simple Health Hacks for a Better Lifestyle:
Steam, Don’t Boil: When cooking vegetables, opt for steaming rather than boiling to preserve more of their vitamins and minerals. Steaming is gentler on heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C, ensuring you get the maximum nutritional benefit from your greens.
Mind the Cooking Time: Overcooking can lead to a significant loss of nutrients and flavour. Set a timer when cooking, particularly with delicate foods like vegetables, to prevent them from becoming overdone and less nutritious.
Use a Food Thermometer: Ensure you're cooking food to the right temperature, especially proteins like meat and fish. This not only ensures safety but also helps maintain the food's nutritional value and taste by preventing it from drying out or overcooking.
The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.
