Cooked and Raw Food which is the better option? We know that eating fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which provide numerous health benefits. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether cooked or raw/juiced fruits and vegetables are better for your health. In this blog, we will explore the differences between cooked and raw/juiced fruits and vegetables and their respective benefits.
Cooked Food:
Cooking fruits and vegetables can alter their texture, flavour, and nutritional content. The heat from cooking raw food can break down some of the nutrients, such as vitamin C and folate, making them less available to the body. However, cooking can also make some nutrients more accessible to the body. For example, cooking tomatoes increases the amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against cancer and heart disease.
Cooking can also make some fruits and vegetables easier to digest, making it easier for the body to absorb their nutrients. For example, cooking carrots can make their nutrients more accessible to the body.
Examples of cooked fruits and vegetables:
- Roasted sweet potatoes: Cooking sweet potatoes can help break down their complex carbohydrates, making them easier to digest and more accessible to the body.
- Steamed broccoli: Steaming broccoli can help preserve its nutrients while also making it easier to digest.
- Grilled pineapple: Grilling pineapple can enhance its natural sweetness while also breaking down its tough fibres, making it easier to digest.
Raw Food:
Raw or juiced fruits and vegetables are often touted as the healthiest option because they are believed to retain more of their nutrients. However, some nutrients can be lost during the juicing process, particularly fibre. Juicing can also increase the amount of sugar in fruits and vegetables, making them less healthy than eating them whole.
Eating raw fruits and vegetables can provide numerous health benefits. Raw fruits and vegetables are often high in fibre, which can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.
Examples of raw/juiced fruits and vegetables:
- Carrot sticks: Eating raw carrots can provide a good source of fibre, vitamin A, and other nutrients.
- Apple slices: Eating raw apples can provide a good source of fibre and vitamin C.
- Kale juice: Juicing kale can provide a good source of vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients
Conclusion
Both Cooked and Raw Food like fruits and vegetables can provide numerous health benefits. Cooking can make some nutrients more accessible to the body while also making some fruits and vegetables easier to digest. Raw/juiced fruits and vegetables can provide a good source of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ultimately, the best option is to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, both cooked and raw/juiced, into your diet to ensure that you are getting a wide range of nutrients.
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