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Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

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448 ALICE CALLAHAN, PHD, HEATHER LEONARD, MED, RDN, AND TAMBERLY POWELL, MS, RDN<br />

Figure 8.4. Common vitamins <strong>and</strong> minerals found in each food group.<br />

Effects of Processing on Nutrient Content in Foods<br />

The nutrient content of foods is typically highest when foods are allowed to ripen on the<br />

plant, allowing the plant to fully develop the nutrients <strong>and</strong> phytochemicals it needs to sustain<br />

life. Harvesting plants in the peak state of ripeness helps to ensure maximum vitamin <strong>and</strong><br />

mineral content, <strong>and</strong> consuming freshly-picked or harvested produce usually maximizes<br />

how much of those nutrients make it into our bodies to be put to use by cells. But not<br />

all foods can be consumed immediately after harvest. How foods are h<strong>and</strong>led, processed,<br />

stored, <strong>and</strong> prepared can impact how much of that peak nutrient level remains in the food.<br />

Processing of food is an important step in our food supply. Harvesting <strong>and</strong> transporting

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