Steam cooking is one of the most ancient ways of cooking. Even before finding out what fire was, our ancestors were able to warm and soften fish, fruits and other products using natural stones warmed up on a hot spring. The Chinese have been using steam cooking for centuries, a system that has changed little despite the many discoveries and innovations that science has brought our way.

The advantages of cooking with steam are obvious: the products conserve not just their natural smell, taste, form and color, but also most of the microelements and vitamins that they contain when raw. As you do not need any oils or other add-ons when cooking with steam, all the minerals and vitamins stay within the meal as the items cook, conserving their quality and avoiding you the extra calories. Steam cooking keeps the food temperature under 212 Fahrenheit, which is ideal for conserving the properties of the food cooked as is.

Absolutely all products can be cooked with steam, except mushrooms, since much water is needed to keep them from drying out and becoming dehydrated during the process. Fruits and vegetables cooked with steam should be high quality, as any creases, bumps or imperfections will tend to attract excess of water, resulting in uneven cooking and even some loss of flavor. The same is true if you try to cut out parts of them that seem to be old or mashed. As a general rule, full veggies will cook better than chopped or sliced ones.

From the medical point of view, not only will your waist thank you, but also your heart will. The low fat content of foods cooked this way can go a long way to prevent problems associated with the typical American diet. Your hair, skin and nails are likely to improve in the process (as a result of the higher level of vitamins), your immune system will become stronger and your overall energy will increase. For people over 40, steam cooking is the perfect way to prevent heart disease, high cholesterol and even ulcers. For children, whose oil addiction is not formed yet, is a great way to avoid junk food and keep their weight in check.

Aside from the health advantages, steam cooking is also a great option if you don’t have the time or the energy to cook by other methods. Since little effort is involved in the actual cooking process, steaming your food can be done while you’re busy preparing something else, setting the table or even watching TV.