microwaving zaps nutrients
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_14319.html
"United Press International
Friday, October 17, 2003
MURCIA, Spain, Oct 17, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) --
Microwaving raw broccoli drastically all but eliminates some natural
health-promoting chemicals, a study reported in the Globe and Mail
said Friday.
Of particular note in the research was the post-microwaving
disappearance of 97 percent of flavonoids -- substances often found in
many brightly colored fruits and vegetables that are linked to a
reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
However, the study being released in the Journal of the Science of
Food and Agriculture -- conducted by a group of Spanish government
scientists in Murcia, Spain -- found boiling removed only 66 percent
of flavonoids from fresh raw broccoli, and pressure cooking leached
out only 47 percent."
SOURCE:
F Vallejo, FA Tomás-Barberán, C García-Viguera.
Phenolic compound contents in edible parts of broccoli inflorescences
after domestic cooking
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/106558884/ABSTRACT
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Volume 83, Issue 14, 2003. Pages 1511-1516
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This Article Concluded:
"Of particular note in the research was the post-microwaving
disappearance of 97 percent of flavonoids -- substances often found in
many brightly colored fruits and vegetables that are linked to a
reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
However, the study being released in the Journal of the Science of
Food and Agriculture -- conducted by a group of Spanish government
scientists in Murcia, Spain -- found boiling removed only 66 percent
of flavonoids from fresh raw broccoli, and pressure cooking leached
out only 47 percent.
Microwaving reduced other similarly desirable chemicals in broccoli by
anywhere from 74 to 87 percent.
By far the most healthful results were obtained by the staple of
French cooking -- a simple and quick steaming."
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Comment:
I find this news rather alarming to say the least. It appears that
the healthiest way to cook broccoli is by steaming.
--
John Gohde,
Achieving good Health is an Art, NOT a Science!
Health-with-Attitude is a support group for people
trying to follow a Healthy Lifestyle.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Health-with-Attitude/