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Healthy Living is the ultimate goal for several people around the planet today. A primary aspect of this goal is healthy eating. Healthy eating is not to lose weight (though it is an option). It is to maintain a healthy body and respect oneself. People are always on the lookout for the next big healthy eating trend. Every year several organisations conduct research and experiments to improve nutrition levels and intake in people. These organisations announce their findings every time there is a breakthrough. One such study has confirmed the benefits of steam food. Ever since then, several people have bought a food steamer, adding to their kitchen repertoire.
What Are The Benefits Of Steamed Foods?
The oriental cuisine is famous for its steamed foods like steamrolls, dumplings, momos, etc. Several restaurants and roadside kiosks have emerged, specialising in steamed food, increasing their global popularity. Steamed foods gave several benefits,
Oil-free
The primary benefit of steamed foods is that they do not require oil. The ingredients are packed and steamed together, making for a delicious snack or salad. For example, dumplings are rice-wrapped vegetables or meat fillings. There is no oil involved in the process, meaning lesser calories.
More Nutrients
Steaming vegetables retains more vitamins and minerals than frying or drying them. Vitamins B and C become more potent when the food is steamed, while minerals like zinc and potassium are retained better. As a result, steaming enhances the benefits of the food, allowing for a healthier meal.
Benefits to The Gut and Heart
Steamed food reduces the fibre in the food ingredients. The reduced fibres aids in digestion, making this an ideal food in aged care homes. Additionally, steamed foods like steamed vegetables or lentils help lower cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels mean lesser chances of heart disease and related risks. Steaming foods is even easier with a food steamer.
What to Look For In a Food Steamer?
Food steamers take off more than half the effort involved in steaming. They work with electricity or gas and come in several models. People who love steamed foods should look out for the following features,
Multi-functional
Today, with several technological advancements, food steamers offer a host of features. For example, they can thaw frozen foods, make curds or yoghurt, and even sterilise foods. As a result, they can be a versatile addition to a home if people opt for a suitable model.
Effortless Operation
Steamers may offer several features, but they should also be easily manoeuvrable. If there are several features but a few buttons, then the model may have complex controls. Every operation of the steamer should have a dedicated button for effortless control and cooking.
Sturdy Material
People buy food steamers in the hopes of using them for a long time. After a long period of continuous use, some wear and tear are inevitable—food steamers made from sturdy materials like metal last longer. Metal or steel food steamers are more durable and easy to clean.
Compact
Large food steamers might occupy too much space and obstruct the kitchen. While large models help steam large quantities, they are better suited to restaurants and more prominent establishments. Compact/layered food steamers are the prime choice for residential uses.
Additional Accessories
Using a steamer could require several other accoutrements, depending on the dish. Mainly, people will need a drain basket to drain the excess water from the steamer. Companies selling food steamers usually include a drain basket, and some companies offer even more accessories. Unfortunately, few food steamers even come with a self-drain feature. People should opt for a food steamer that saves the most time and effort.
