Does Leftover Food Lose Nutrients? Expert Breaks It Down
In this article, we share with you a details explanation on leftover foods and tips to keep it safe. Read on.
Leftover food is a reality in every household, especially when cooking feels like a luxury. We often make extra and stash it for later, thinking it will save us time. And honestly, it does. But here is the real question-are you storing it the right way? Experts say that if leftovers are not handled properly, they start losing nutrients and can even become unsafe to eat. In fact, they could mess with your gut, cause diarrhoea, and bring other health issues. So, what exactly happens to leftover food, and how can you make sure it stays safe? Let us break it down.
Why Does Leftover Food Lose Its Nutritional Value?
Let us be honest - none of us rush to store food in the fridge right after cooking. We eat a portion first, let the rest sit until it reaches room temperature, and only then put it away. This gap creates the perfect environment for bacteria and germs to grow rapidly. On top of that, keeping food in storage for too long strips it of essential nutrients. This is why people often experience digestion issues or bloating after eating leftovers.
Is It Safe To Eat Leftover Food?
Ayurveda suggests that food retains maximum nutrients when eaten within three hours of cooking. But let us face it, that is not always possible on busy weekdays. So, what is the best way to handle leftovers? Dietician Simrun Chopra has some answers. She shared on Instagram that a few simple steps can help you store and consume leftover food safely while keeping its nutrients intact.
Also Read: How Safe Is It To Reuse Cooking Oil? Experts Weigh In
Here Are 3 Tips To Follow To Enjoy The Nutrients In Leftover Food:
1. Store it properly:
It is important to store the food properly to make the most of its nutrients. If not kept properly, it can lead to cross-contamination, which further decays the food before its time. According to USDA, ideally, food should not be stored in the fridge for more than three to four days. Click here to learn more about how to store leftover foods to avoid contamination.
2. Do not leave it open:
The idea is to avoid excess moisture as much as possible. If kept open at room temperature, both cooked and uncooked food becomes a breeding ground for germs, making it detrimental to health. According to Simrun Chopra, one must take extra care of food storage during the summer and monsoon season.
Also Read: 5 Foods You Should Stop Reheating In Microwave Oven Now!
3. Avoid reheating multiple times:
You will often find people reheating leftover food time and again. However, this change in temperature washes off all the nutrients from the food. So, you must only reheat as much food as you need and eat it in one go. Click here for some healthy tips on reheating food for safe consumption.
Keep these tips handy and follow them religiously to make leftover food a boon, not a bane, for you. Eat healthy and stay safe!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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