There are specific foods that are better in taste when eaten raw. They provide additional health benefits and nutrients that you may not get when they’re cooked. Therefore it is best to consume them raw or lightly sauteed as cooking may impact their nutrient value. Due to heat exposure (during cooking), some food nutrients might change or alter their intrinsic goodness. Their inherent taste and flavour can also get affected due to this. Below mentioned are five foods that you should consider eating raw:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable with immense nutritional benefits. This superstar veggie is packed with vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and protein. Do you know broccoli contains sulforaphane substance, which gets depleted when it is cooked? It is a compound that fights cancer cells, lowers blood pressure, improves heart health, and helps immunity-boosting.
Coconut
Coconut is considered the nutritional package loaded with potassium, magnesium, and sodium. The high level of electrolytes instantly energizes and boosts your energy levels to 100 per cent. In addition, coconut oil, dried coconut, milk, i.e. every content made up of coconut, contains healthy nutrients which strengthen the brain and heart.
Onions
Onions make you cry, but they supply their best nutrients to your health. In India, people eat raw onions in the form of salads. Onions have an allicin substance, and this phytonutrient helps curb hunger, prevent cancer, promote cardiovascular health, and reduces high blood pressure. So make sure you add white and green onions to your diet and salads.
Garlic
Garlic is one of those foods that’s always consumed cooked. But, like onions, garlic also contains the same phytonutrient allicin, which is suitable to be consumed raw. Eat raw garlic in the morning with lukewarm water to get rid of gastric or indigestion problems. You can also add them to your salads or veggies.
Lentils
Sprouted lentils are an excellent source of protein, and it is more beneficial when consumed raw. Eat them raw, soak sprouts (moong dal, moth dal, channa) in water overnight. Rinse the lentils and add chopped raw tomatoes, onions, salt, and squeeze lemon drops over it.
Consuming more raw foods leads to less intake of sodium and oils in your meals. As a result, you absorb fewer calories which take your heart to the healthier track.
