Why Healthy Foods May Not Work: A Dubai Doctor Explains the Missing Link

Post by : Saif Nasser

Many people try to eat better by choosing healthy foods and avoiding junk meals. They add seeds, grains, and plant-based options to their plates, hoping to feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. But for some, the results never seem to appear. According to a Dubai-based dermatologist, the problem may not be the food itself, but how it is eaten.

Dr Lica Ecaterina, a dermatologist and aesthetic medicine specialist with more than 20 years of experience, says that the body does not always absorb nutrients the way people expect. In a recent social media video, she explained that small mistakes in food preparation can block the body from using important minerals, proteins, and antioxidants. In simple terms, it is not just about eating healthy foods, but about helping the body absorb them properly.

Dr Ecaterina said many foods lose their value when eaten in the wrong way. Even foods known for iron, zinc, calcium, or protein may give little benefit if the body cannot break them down well. She stressed that understanding how to prepare food correctly can support recovery, long-term health, and even skin and body strength.

One example she shared was pumpkin seeds. These seeds are rich in iron and zinc, which are important for immunity and overall health. However, eating pumpkin seeds raw may not give the best results. Dr Ecaterina advised lightly toasting them in a pan for three to five minutes. This simple step makes the nutrients easier for the body to absorb. Toasted pumpkin seeds can be added to salads, porridge, or other meals to improve their benefits.

Quinoa was another food she discussed. Quinoa is often chosen as a healthy grain because it is high in protein. But Dr Ecaterina warned that quinoa should never be eaten without rinsing. She explained that quinoa has a natural coating that can affect digestion. Rinsing it under running water for one to two minutes until the foam disappears helps remove this coating. Cooking quinoa for about 15 minutes and letting it rest afterward also helps the body absorb its protein more easily.

She also spoke about sesame seeds, especially black sesame seeds. According to her, black sesame seeds contain more nutrients than white sesame seeds. However, they are harder in texture. To improve digestion and absorption, she suggested soaking them for six to eight hours or warming them lightly in a dry pan for one to two minutes. This helps release calcium and antioxidants stored inside the seeds.

Dr Ecaterina’s message is clear and simple. Healthy eating is not only about choosing the right foods. It is also about preparing them in a way that allows the body to use their full power. Small steps like rinsing, soaking, or lightly cooking can make a big difference.

While these tips are shared for general awareness and are based on social media content, experts remind readers that such advice should not replace medical guidance. Still, paying attention to how food is prepared can help people get more value from the healthy choices they already make.

In the end, good nutrition is not just on the plate. It also depends on how well the body can absorb and use what we eat.