Raw Food

Is cooked food healthier than raw food?

Cooked food is healthier
Raw food is healthier or just as healthy
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Started by
Brenna Darling
SEE BOTH SIDES

The Issue

With the recent popularization of raw food diets, many wonder if cooking food makes it less healthful. Others argue that cooking food is humans' evolutionary advantage, and we became healthier as a species when we started cooking.

— Brenna Darling, Nia Creator

Most Divisive Question

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Remaining Questions

6 questions total

Final Thoughts

What people think
Pro: Raw Food
  • Picture
    Mia Matthias

    I think in terms of accessibility and efficiency, cooked food wins the argument.

    A raw food diet requires more thought and planning than the average lifestyle permits, so it does not seem sustainable for everyone in the long run.

    That being said, if one has the resources and time, a raw food diet could be a worthwhile commitment.

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Depends
  • 12ddb88ae748838c946ec4a1118f0864
    Jordan Grossman
    Founder of Niaterra News

    I think the evidence is clear: cooked food is usually the healthier option.

    Aside from certain preparations and certain foods where raw may be better, the only argument against cooking is under circumstances where someone is trying to lose weight and would benefit from raw food's less available calories. Everyone else should be cooking most things to get the most health benefits and calories from their food.

    That being said, I have no plans to give up sushi!

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  • Picture
    Brenna Darling
    Nia Creator

    While the raw food lifestyle is not accessible or effective for most people, I think there is an obvious balance that needs to be struck. Certain foods most efficiently provide nutrients when raw, some are better cooked. In order to get the most our of your food, see which foods to cook and which to keep raw.

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  • 66e376040ea88b6aa5463bc3227560cb
    Lea Thali

    As with most things dealing with diet, the key, I believe, is balance. There are clearly some foods that are better and more nutritious when they are cooked, and humans likely could not have evolved to this point had it not been for the discovery of fire and its ability to cook meats. However, raw vegetables can be packed with vitamins that may degrade through the cooking process. So, keep it balanced, keep it natural.

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Anti: Raw Food

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