I have always been under the impression that eating vegetables raw retains their nutrients much better than cooking them. I do cook vegetables sometimes, usually steaming them. I know that overcooking them will drain them of their nutrients. In the current issue of Muscle & Fitness, I read a short blurb about the theory of cooking vegetables being less nutritious.
The article stated that it isn't entirely true. Cooking some vegetables actually helps make it easier to absorb antioxidants. For example, the antioxidant lycopene is more potent in pasta sauce than it is in raw tomatoes. Carrots and spinach also have more beta-carotene when they are cooked and steamed broccoli has more glucosinolates which help to fight cancer.
Cooking Your Veggies
How you cook your vegetables is important in terms of nutrition. Boiling or pressure cooking vegetables can remove antioxidants. If you plan on cooking vegetables, the best way to retain their nutrients is by grilling, steaming, or microwaving. Of course, you can overdo it with those methods as well so be sure to keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
My favorite way to eat vegetables is by steaming them.
Have you always thought raw vegetables were better in terms of nutrition?
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