A nutrient is a chemical compound that the body needs to carry out its functions.
Our food contains over 40 nutrients. There are six categories of nutrients; carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and water.
A nutrient is classed as essential if :
1) we have to have it to function, and
2) we can’t make it from something else.
From the moment any food product is harvested the possibility for nutrient loss begins. The way a food is prepared can speed up or slow down this process.
A food’s nutrients can be lost through improper preparation, cooking, and storage. The things that destroy the nutrients in foods can also destroy a their color, texture, and flavor.
You should know how to prevent the loss of nutrients in the foods that you prepare.
People dealing with compromised systems have a critical need to establish good hygiene and safety practices in their food preparation area. Establishing these practices will reduce or eliminate injuries and burns, and ensure that foods are handled and stored in safe, healthy ways.
There are already industry "best practices" for food preparation and handling safety, so we can adapt them to use in the home food preparation area.
