Avoid cooking these foods in a pressure cooker: They can cause serious health risks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Pressure cookers have become an essential kitchen appliance in many households due to their ability to cook food quickly. However, cooking certain foods in a pressure cooker can have a negative impact on both the taste and health benefits of the food. It is important to avoid cooking specific items in a pressure cooker to maintain their nutritional value and flavor.

One such food is beans. Beans contain a toxin called lectin, which can cause digestive problems if not cooked properly. Cooking them in a pressure cooker may make it difficult to digest them correctly, so it's best to avoid this method.

Dairy products, such as milk, curd, and cream, should also not be cooked in a pressure cooker. These items require controlled heat for cooking, while the high heat in a pressure cooker can spoil their taste and quality.

Pasta is another food that should not be cooked in a pressure cooker. The cooking time of pasta cannot be controlled in a pressure cooker, which may result in overcooking and a soft, tasteless texture.

Potatoes, when cooked in a pressure cooker, can become overheated, which destroys the natural sugars and nutrients they contain. Additionally, potatoes contain anti-nutrients that may hinder the absorption of other nutrients in the body, negatively affecting health.

Fried foods, such as crispy pakodas, should not be made in a pressure cooker. The pressure cooker is designed for steam cooking, not deep frying, and using it for fried foods will result in soggy, uncrispy dishes.

Fish is another food that should be avoided in a pressure cooker. Cooking fish in a pressure cooker destroys its nutrients, including the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, reducing the health benefits associated with eating fish.

Spinach and other leafy vegetables like fenugreek or mustard greens should also not be cooked in a pressure cooker. The high heat can spoil their color and taste, and the oxalates present in these vegetables may contribute to kidney stones, posing health risks.

While pressure cookers are great for quick cooking, not all foods are suitable for this method. Cooking certain foods in a pressure cooker can diminish their nutritional value and impact their taste. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what should and should not be cooked in a pressure cooker to ensure both health and flavor are preserved.