How to Preserve Amino Acids in the Cooking Process

Cooking does not destroy amino acids or reduce their quality. Most foods high in amino acids, such as eggs, meat and poultry, are made safer and more palatable to eat through cooking. If you regularly serve cooked eggs and meat, your family is likely getting enough amino acids.

Vegetables, legumes and whole grains may have essential amino acids, although they may not have them in sufficient amounts. For example, wheat is high in sulfur containing amino acids, but low in lysine, while the reverse is true for legumes. If you're contemplating a vegetarian diet for your family, talk with your pediatrician to ensure that children are getting the amino acids, calcium, iron and vitamin B they need. Incorporating a wide range of grains, legumes and vegetables into the diet usually provides sufficient nutrition.

Although amino acids aren't damaged during the cooking process, boiling or long cooking can destroy water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B and C. To preserve the nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables, leave the peels on when possible and steam, stir-fry or microwave vegetables.

Although cooking techniques won't destroy amino acids, they may alter the quality of the food. Chicken, meats and eggs become tough or rubbery when overcooked or cooked at high temperatures. Milk may separate or develop a grainy texture when boiled. Cook meat by simmering, baking, grilling, roasting or broiling it only until it is fully cooked. Avoid boiling milk when making cream sauces, puddings or other dishes calling for heated milk.