Which nutrient is maximized by consuming tomatoes raw due to heat sensitivity?
Answer
Vitamin C
The optimal preparation method for tomatoes depends entirely on the desired nutrient. While cooking enhances the availability of lycopene, it causes degradation in certain heat-sensitive vitamins. Specifically, Vitamin C is susceptible to breakdown when subjected to high temperatures during cooking processes. Consequently, if the primary dietary goal is to maximize the intake of Vitamin C, the recommended strategy is to consume the tomatoes in their raw form, such as in a cold salad or fresh salsa, as this preserves the highest possible amount of this essential vitamin.
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