• Food and Gastronomy -> Healthy eating and nutrition

• 0 Comment

How do different cooking methods affect the inflammatory levels of our food?

Zollie Witsey

Hey there!

Thanks for asking such an interesting question. There is no doubt that the cooking methods we use can have a major impact on the inflammatory levels of our food. In fact, recent research has shown that certain cooking methods can actually decrease inflammation, while others can increase it. Here's what you need to know.

One of the cooking methods that has been shown to decrease inflammation is steaming. This is because when we steam our food, we are able to preserve most of the nutrients, which are then absorbed by the body more easily. When our bodies are able to absorb these nutrients, they are better equipped to fight off inflammation. Steaming is also a great cooking method because it helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the food, which is important for the overall enjoyment of the meal.

On the other hand, certain cooking methods can actually increase the inflammatory levels of our food. For example, when we fry food, we are actually destroying many of the nutrients and vitamins that are present in the food. The high heat used in frying can also create advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are harmful compounds that can increase inflammation in the body. Similarly, when we grill or barbecue food, we are exposing it to high levels of heat, which can also create AGEs. If you must grill or barbecue your food, it's best to marinate it first, as this can help to reduce the formation of these harmful compounds.

Another cooking method that can increase inflammation is using high-temperature oils, such as vegetable and corn oils, for frying and cooking. These oils have a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess. Instead, try using oils with a higher concentration of omega-3s, such as olive or coconut oil, as these have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Overall, it's important to pay attention to the cooking methods we use, as they can have a big impact on our health. By steaming our food and choosing healthier cooking oils, we can reduce inflammation and improve our overall well-being.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.