Does stewing fruit make it lose its nutritional value?

[RachelG]

My DS (20 months) is quite a picky eater, and just won't eat fresh fruit, whatever techniques I try. However, he will happily eat stewed pureed fruit, so that's what I give him. Some fruits can be mushed up raw, but others need stewing first. I wonder - does the cooking process destroy all the useful nutrients?

I think it does destroy a little, as does cooking anything, but at least he's still getting some benefit. And the fresher the fruit, the better, obviously. I shouldn't worry about it.

i steam mine in a steam basket in the saucepan, the fruit seems less watery doing that way if that makes sense. i think you don't lose as much goodness too steaming it.