The Impact of Cooked Food v/s Raw food on Gastrointestinal problem

By      13-Apr 2021       Reading Time: 5 Mins

The Impact of Cooked Food v/s Raw food on Gastrointestinal problem

Since many years a food debate have been headed over “Cooked versus Raw food” that will never cease until there is conclusive evidence to support that either one is more beneficial. Lot of implications come with eating both, cooked and raw food, and your gut processes food differently depending on whether it is raw or cooked. The major factor to consider is “bioavailability” which refers to the amount of nutrients absorbed efficiently by the body.

Cooked Food Vs Raw Food on Gastrointestinal System

There are certain foods that will have better bioavailability when cooked and there are certain foods that will have better bioavailability when consumed in raw form. But when it comes to gastrointestinal health, especially in individuals facing gastric disturbances, considering cooked food is safe as it is free from food-borne diseases. Cooked food is safe to consume since most microorganisms cannot survive in high temperatures, thus eliminating the risk of contamination. It is also easier to chew and digest.

On the other hand, raw food is eaten in its natural state, so it might contain dangerous microorganisms that are eliminated by cooking. Consuming lead to food-borne illnesses that lead to symptoms like vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Catching on an illness is one of the major concerns of eating raw food.

But when it comes to managing gastrointestinal symptoms, following factors should be kept in mind before choosing from raw or cooked foods:

  • 1.Type of Food-Cooking certain vegetables can also have a positive impact on the availability of some antioxidants by increasing their absorption and nutrient profile like carotenoids found in carrots and bell peppers.
  • 2.Cooking Time- Prolonged cooking times (more than 15 minutes) can lead to loss of nutrient profile in many vegetables. However, when it comes to eating chicken, it should be cooked at around 170 degree Celsius for about 25 to 30 minutes to get rid of all the pesky microbes.
  • 3.Cooking Method- Baking, grilling, or steaming leads to least destruction of nutrients whereas open pot cooking and deep frying can destroy nutrients to a great extent. Blanching can also be a great option to softly cook raw vegetables before serving them in the form of salad. Boiling can reduce the vitamin C content more than any other cooking method and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and lettuce may lose up to 50% or more of their vitamin C when boiled. Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients
  • 4.Digestibility- Lightly cooked food is easily digested, especially for those facing gut issues. But in absence of any gut issues, certain raw fruits and vegetables can offer oodles of healthy fibre (in the form of prebiotics) to gut friendly bacteria. Also, herbs like garlic or mint are better in managing digestive issues when consumed in raw form. A thorough cleaning and optimum hygiene methods should always be incorporated before consuming any food in raw form.
  • Over to you

    The bottom-line is, your diet should comprise of both raw and cooked food items from time to time and it all boils down to how healthily your gut is behaving. Simply consuming foods in either cooked or raw form (one method only) may not optimize nutrient profile. So, keep a variety and pay attention to your gut!

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    "At Nmami Life, the meaning of good health is a combination of nutrition and fitness, which are essential to your well-being."
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    Nmami Agarwal

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