Question

In food preparation, why must grains and legumes be cooked before eating? Select all that apply.

a) To increase nutrient content
b) To enhance flavor
c) To reduce cooking time
d) To make them safe to eat

Answer 1

Grains and legumes must be cooked to enhance their flavor, make them safe to eat, and improve nutrient availability in the body by breaking down indigestible components.

Step-by-step explanation:

In food preparation, grains, and legumes must be cooked before eating primarily for the following reasons:

• To enhance flavor: Cooking grains and legumes greatly improves their taste.
• To make them safe to eat: Raw grains and legumes might contain harmful microorganisms or substances that can be neutralized or eliminated through cooking.
• To improve nutrient availability: While cooking does not necessarily increase the content of nutrients, it does break down indigestible components, making it easier for our bodies to access and absorb the nutrients present in the food.

While cooking can sometimes reduce certain nutrient levels, like vitamins B and C, the overall importance of cooking these foods lies in safety, digestibility, and flavor enhancement. For example, the cooking process helps in destroying harmful organisms, loosifying cellulose frameworks, liberating starch from grains, and, ultimately, making the foods more palatable and digestible.