Reheating food might be convenient but is it safe?

IN the fast-paced modern world, reheating food has become a practical solution for many, offering convenience and saving time for individuals with busy schedules.

However, this habit has sparked a debate regarding its impact on taste, nutrition and food safety.

For individuals like Naylee Shah, 26, reheating food is essential in her hectic lifestyle. “Reheating food helps me save time and makes things much more convenient. I don’t have to cook every day or prepare something new for the next day.

"It’s quick and practical, which is ideal for my busy lifestyle,” she told Sinar Daily

For Naylee, the practice is not only convenient but also time-saving, allowing her to focus on other important tasks.

She said reheated food is safe since it has already been cooked, though she remains cautious.

"If it smells bad or looks spoiled, I won’t eat it. Homemade food is generally safer, unlike some store-bought items, which might carry risks,” she explained.

When asked about nutrient loss, Naylee admitted she wasn’t overly concerned.

Another individual, 26-year-old engineer Nekessh Al Arumugam said that reheating food helps avoid wastage, especially when there are leftovers.

"When there is excess food or I’m unable to finish a meal, I store it in the refrigerator and reheat it whenever I want to eat it," he shared, adding that he avoids keeping food for more than a day.

While he acknowledges that reheating can affect taste and texture, he tries to preserve quality by using methods like an oven instead of a microwave when needed. Nekessh is also mindful of nutrient loss, comparing reheated food to preserved food.

"Food plays a major role in a healthy lifestyle, so I try not to make reheating a daily habit," he added.

To ensure safety, he stores food properly, reheats it at the right temperature, and avoids reheating more than once. While he sees reheating as practical for busy lifestyles, he warns that relying too much on leftovers over fresh meals could lead to unhealthy habits.

"Anything consumed excessively can indirectly lead to bad health," he said.

Meanwhile, for 59-year-old former primary school English teacher Zaliha Radzi, reheating food is both a practical and sustainable choice. However, she acknowledges that reheating can alter the taste and texture of food, particularly fried or soupy dishes.

"Sometimes, when there’s excess food, it feels wasteful to throw it away, so reheating is a better option," she shared.

"If reheated properly, the difference can be minimised. As long as the food still tastes good, I don’t mind," she added.

Zaliha is also mindful of nutrient loss, particularly with heat-sensitive vitamins, but doesn’t worry too much as long as the food remains nutritious. She ensures proper food storage in the fridge and reheats meals at a high temperature before eating.

"If the food looks off, smells bad, or has changed texture, I’d rather throw it away than risk food poisoning," she explained.

While she believes reheating food is a practical solution for busy lifestyles, she also cautions that relying on it too often, especially with unhealthy food choices, could lead to poor eating habits.

But does reheating food truly degrade its nutritional value?

Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye acknowledged the concerns, highlighting two main issues with reheating food.

“If the food is not properly stored overnight, it may cultivate bacteria or viruses, leading to food poisoning.

Additionally, reheating may cause some loss of nutrients, especially vitamin C and B,” he said when contacted recently.

Meanwhile, JomSayHeart Diet Centre chief executive officer and chief nutritionist Syaza Lyana Idris offered a reassuring perspective.

She emphasised that reheating food does not cause all its nutrients to disappear.

“While some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C may degrade, most nutrients remain intact if reheating is done properly,” she said.

Syaza recommended reheating methods such as steaming, microwaving with minimal water, or using low heat to preserve nutritional value.

For busy individuals, she suggested quick and nutritious meal options like overnight oats with fruits, whole-grain wraps with lean proteins and vegetables, or smoothies with spinach, yoghurt and bananas.

She also proposed a realistic weekday meal plan: boiled eggs and whole-grain toast for breakfast, grilled chicken with quinoa and steamed vegetables for lunch, stir-fried tofu with brown rice and greens for dinner, and snacks such as nuts, yogurt or fruit.

While reheating food can be practical, incorporating fresh and wholesome meals into a daily diet ensures a well-rounded approach to healthy eating.

Ultimately, making informed choices about food preparation and storage can help individuals maintain both taste and nutritional value in their meals.