Dehydrating food is an ancient method of food preservation which dates back to 12,000 BC. It involves removing the water content from food, which helps to preserve it for longer periods of time.
Dehydrated foods can be re-hydrated at a later date, making them a great option for emergency preparedness and long-term storage. But is dehydrating food healthy?
The process of dehydrating food removes the majority of its water content, which in turn reduces the nutrient value of the food. For example, when apples are dehydrated they lose vitamins A and C, as well as some of their fiber content. However, other nutrients like minerals and antioxidants remain intact during dehydration, making dehydrated foods still a healthy option.
Dehydrating foods can also help to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. By removing moisture from foods like meats and fish, the growth of harmful bacteria is greatly reduced. This makes dehydrated foods much safer to consume than their fresh counterparts.
In addition to preserving nutrients and reducing food-borne illnesses, dehydrating foods can make them easier to transport and store. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables take up much less space than their fresh counterparts, making them great for camping trips or extended travel.
Conclusion:
Overall, while dehydration does reduce some nutrient values in foods, it also helps to preserve other nutrients while reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses. Additionally, it makes transporting and storing food much easier. As such, it is generally considered a healthy option for preserving foods.