Is it Wise to Eat Food Hot or Cold?

It's an age-old debate: should you eat your food hot or cold? Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different answer every time. Some people swear by eating their food cold, while others say that eating hot food is the way to go. So, which is the right way? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each approach to see if we can answer that question once and for all.


Eating Hot Food
Proponent of eating hot food will tell you that it's the best way to get all of the nutrients from your food. When you cook food, they say, you kill off a lot of the healthy enzymes and vitamins that are found in raw ingredients. That might be true to some extent, but it's also worth considering that cooking food makes it more digestible and easier for your body to absorb the nutrients that are left.

In addition, cooking food kills off any harmful bacteria that might be present. That's important because consuming contaminated food can lead to serious health problems, including food poisoning. So, if you're looking to err on the side of caution, eating hot food is probably the way to go.

Eating Cold Food
On the other hand, proponents of eating cold food will tell you that it retains more nutrients than hot food does. They argue that since cooking kills off enzymes and vitamins, eating raw or lightly cooked ingredients is the best way to get all of the nutrients your body needs.

There is some truth to this argument as well; however, it's important to remember that not all nutrients are created equal. Some nutrients are more heat-sensitive than others, so they might be partially destroyed during the cooking process. However, these same nutrients might not be present in significant quantities in raw or lightly cooked ingredients anyway.

You may have heard that eating hot or cold foods can increase your risk of cancer. But is there any truth to this claim?

A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Cancer evaluated the link between temperature of food and the risk of esophageal cancer. The study found that there was no significant association between the two. However, the authors did note that previous studies have found a link between eating hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

So what does this all mean? Well, it's important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. Just because two things are associated does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. More research is needed to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship between hot or cold foods and cancer.

In the meantime, it's important to focus on eating a healthy diet overall. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat. And make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

So, which is the right way to eat—hot or cold? Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward answer to that question. It really depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you're looking for maximum nutrient retention, then eating raw or lightly cooked foods is probably the way to go. However, if you're worried about contamination, then sticking with hot foods is probably your best bet. If you have any concerns about your diet or cancer risk, please consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's best for your own health and wellbeing. Happy eating!