Steamed Food Trend Grows in Popularity, Is It Safe for Daily Consumption?
The phenomenon of steamed and boiled foods, which are becoming increasingly popular among the public, is considered to bring positive impacts from a nutritional perspective. This culinary trend reflects the public’s growing awareness regarding the consumption of real food as part of a healthy lifestyle.
A lecturer from the Food Quality Assurance Supervisor Study Program at the Vocational School of the IPB University, Ai Imas Faidoh Fatimah, STP, MP, MSc, explained that various types of food presented in steamed form possess nutritional content that is beneficial for health.
“Steamed foods such as corn, bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, and pumpkins are sources of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and various vitamins that play a role in supporting the body’s nutritional fulfillment,” said Ai Imas.
From a nutritional perspective, she views the steamed food trend as a positive one because it aligns with the increase in public awareness regarding the consumption of natural and minimally processed foods.
She added that processing methods using steaming or boiling tend to be healthier compared to frying methods. “Steaming minimizes the use of oil, so the food becomes lower in saturated fat and calories,” she stated.
Furthermore, the relatively lower steaming temperature helps maintain nutrient content, especially vitamins and minerals. “Food ingredients that are steamed do not come into direct contact with water, so the loss of vitamins and minerals becomes smaller,” she explained.
Ai Imas further elaborated that a number of food ingredients benefit greatly if processed using the steaming technique. Tubers such as sweet potatoes, cassava, taro, and potatoes function as sources of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, green and brightly colored vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and pumpkins are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Legumes, such as peanuts and edamame, serve as sources of plant-based protein and minerals, while sweet corn contains carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Eggs are also included as food ingredients suitable for steaming as a source of animal protein.
Most of these ingredients are local Indonesian foods. In addition to supporting nutritional fulfillment, their processing also contributes to strengthening the consumption of food based on local resources.
Safe to Consume Every Day?
Regarding consumption frequency, Ai Imas emphasized that steamed food is safe and is even recommended to be consumed every day as part of a daily diet. However, the principles of variety and nutritional balance must still be observed.
“Steamed foods should be combined with animal protein sources so that they do not merely provide a sense of satiety and follow a trend, but also support the maintenance of body health optimally,” she said. (dr) (IAAS/HNF)
