We eat vegetables most often for our three meals a day, so we tend to take for granted that we already know how to eat them properly. The following points about vegetable consumption might surprise you. After listening to the nutritionist's analysis, you might wonder if these common habits are actually unscientific.
1. Blanch bitter gourd in boiling water
Bitter gourd also contains oxalic acid. As mentioned before, oxalic acid hinders the absorption of calcium and zinc from food. Therefore, before eating cold-dressed bitter gourd, you should blanch the sliced bitter gourd in boiling water first. This can effectively remove the large amount of oxalic acid it contains. At the same time, those who need to supplement a large amount of calcium should not eat too much bitter gourd. Although heating can reduce the oxalic acid content, it cannot eliminate it completely.
2. Do not eat too much spinach
Although spinach is rich in iron and very beneficial to the human body, even good things should not be consumed in excess. This is because it also contains a large amount of oxalic acid along with iron. In the human body, oxalic acid combines with calcium and zinc to form calcium oxalate and zinc oxalate. Once these substances are formed, they affect the intestinal absorption of calcium and zinc, which can easily lead to deficiencies in these minerals. Although the body needs iron, calcium and zinc are equally essential. This is particularly detrimental to developing children, as it can lead to poor bone development and, in severe cases, affect intellectual development.
3. Soaking mushrooms washes away nutrients
Mushrooms are nutritious because they contain a substance called ergosterol. When exposed to sunlight, this substance is converted into vitamin D, which the body needs. However, if we wash them excessively or soak them in a large amount of water before consumption, we will lose many nutrients, especially the ergosterol mentioned above, which converts to vitamin D. Additionally, when cooking mushrooms, we should not use iron or copper pots, as this small, unintentional detail can also lead to nutrient loss.
4. Eat tomatoes before meals to increase stomach acidity
Although tomatoes contain many nutrients the body needs, there is an optimal time to consume them. It's not that you can eat them anytime just because they are nutritious. It's the same with milk: it's nutritious, but drinking it on an empty stomach is a waste because the body cannot absorb its nutrients effectively. Tomatoes should not be eaten before meals but should be consumed after a meal. This way, the stomach acid can mix with the food, significantly reducing its acidity and thus avoiding symptoms like abdominal pain and stomach discomfort.