Which of the following cooking methods has the greatest negative effect on mineral consumption by humans?

The method that has the greatest negative effect on mineral consumption is boiling. When foods are boiled, especially vegetables, they are submerged in water at high temperatures. This process can lead to the leaching of water-soluble vitamins and minerals into the cooking water. If the water is then discarded, the minerals that have dissolved into it are lost and not consumed, potentially leading to a decrease in the overall mineral content that is retained in the food.

While poaching, grilling, and steaming may also affect nutrient preservation, these methods generally involve shorter cooking times and less exposure to water, which helps minimize the loss of minerals. For instance, poaching uses lower temperatures and shorter cooking times compared to boiling, which reduces nutrient leaching. Grilling and steaming both preserve more nutrients as well, with steaming being particularly good at retaining water-soluble vitamins and minerals since the food does not come into direct contact with the cooking water.