Oct 06, 2025

Vegetables that lose nutrition value when cooked

Aanya Mehta

Bell Pepper

Cooking bell peppers can decrease carotenoids like beta-carotene if overcooked. Quick stir-frying or roasting helps retain them.

Source: unsplash

Broccoli

Boiling broccoli can cause a significant loss of glucosinolates, compounds linked to cancer prevention. Steaming preserves these phytonutrients.

Source: unsplash

Cabbage

Boiling cabbage diminishes glycosylates and anthocyanins, important for heart health and cancer prevention. Steaming or microwaving is best.

Source: unsplash

Green Beans

Boiling green beans can lower flavonoid and phenolic content. Steaming or sautéing keeps most of these health promoting compounds intact.

Source: unsplash

Kale

Cooking kale reduces folate and antioxidants such as quercetin. Light steaming preserves its nutritional value while making it easier to digest.

Source: unsplash

Lettuce

Cooking lettuce significantly reduces water soluble vitamins like folate and antioxidants such as polyphenols.

Source: unsplash

Spinach

Cooking spinach reduces folate and antioxidants like lutein. Light steaming or a quick sauté helps retain most nutrients.

Source: unsplash

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, when cooked, boost lycopene but lose some folate. Pair with healthy oils to improve absorption of lycopene.

Source: unsplash

Is Keto diet really worth it? Know advantages and disadvantages