If there’s one thing we all know for certain, it’s that veggies are really good for us. They provide vital nutrients to the body and make up a large portion of a well-balanced and healthy meal.
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Whether you’re a fan of broccoli, carrots, or spinach, it’s important to make sure that you’re cooking your veggies properly to ensure that you’re maximizing their benefits. According to CNN, eating cooked vegetables increases the amount of minerals available to the body, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
So, what’s the best way to get all the amazing nutrients, minerals and health benefits when cooking vegetables? Registered dietitian Elaine Magee says that it’s a simple method that is often overlooked.
Magee dubs steaming your veggies as the best cooking method to use. She suggests using a little bit of water and adding just a splash of olive oil to them. “Steaming is a gentler way to cook because the vegetables don't come in contact with the boiling water,” she said. “Boiling vegetables causes water soluble vitamins like vitamin C, B1 and folate to leach into the water. So, unless you are going to drink the water along with your vegetables, such as when making soups and stews, these vitamins are typically poured down the sink.”
Before you make the switch to steaming your veggies, there’s one veggie that you can still boil. CNN reported that carrots still have high levels of beta carotene when boiled and steamed. Just, make sure you’re cooking them whole and not cutting them in half, as it could reduce the nutrients by 25%.
