Can minerals be destroyed by cooking?

Minerals themselves cannot be destroyed by cooking, as they are inorganic substances. However, cooking methods can affect the bioavailability of certain minerals, making them less accessible for absorption by the body. For example, boiling vegetables may cause some minerals to leach into the cooking water, which can result in nutrient loss if the water is discarded. To retain minerals, it's often better to use steaming or minimal cooking methods.