Fruits are a great source of nutrition in our everyday diet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help in keeping us healthy and provide a boost of energy.

However, the manner in which we consume fruits may have a significant impact on the benefits we can receive from it. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of both raw and cooked fruits to find out which is better for our health.

Benefits of Raw Fruits

When we consume fruits in their raw form, we can experience certain benefits that we cannot get from cooked fruits. Firstly, raw fruits contain more fiber than cooked fruits.

Fiber is essential for good digestion, improving bowel movements and reducing constipation. Fiber also helps in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing heart diseases.

Secondly, raw fruits have a higher water content than cooked fruits, which means they can keep us hydrated and promote healthy skin.

Lastly, raw fruits are loaded with enzymes that get activated when we consume them, aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients. These vital enzymes are often destroyed during the cooking process and, hence, lost.

Benefits of Cooked Fruits

Cooking fruits can alter their taste, texture, and nutrient quality. However, cooking fruits also has some health benefits.

Firstly, cooking fruits can help break down cell walls, making nutrients more bioavailable. This means that our bodies can absorb the nutrients more easily.

Cooking can also help in reducing the levels of lectins and phytic acid present in certain fruits, making them more gut-friendly.

Secondly, certain fruits, when cooked, can enhance their nutritional value. For example, cooking tomatoes increases the level of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect against certain cancers and heart diseases.

Cooking also helps in breaking down the insoluble fiber present in fruits, making it easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients.

Lastly, cooking fruits can help in preserving them for longer periods and can also help in removing any harmful bacteria present on their surface.

Conclusion

Both raw and cooked fruits have their pros and cons. However, incorporating a mix of both in our diets can help us reap the overall health benefits of fruits.

Eating raw fruits in salads, smoothies, and bowl meals, while also eating cooked fruits in the form of sauces, jams, and baked goods can lead to a more diverse and nutritious diet.