What is hot or cold food healthier?

What is healthier, hot or cold food? This question arises precisely now that We began to change the cold summer dishes for the exquisite hot soups of autumn. However, the myths surrounding the issue have caused us confusion. Therefore, we want to address it in detail below. Discover the answer!

Eating hot helps digest food

Did you know why it is advisable to eat or drink something hot even in summer? The answer is very simple: hot foods or liquids help us digestion.

So that the stomach and intestines can work properly It is good that they are at the same temperature as the body. This amounts to about 37 degrees.

So it seems logical to think that eating hot or warm food facilitates the digestion process. In this way, the stomach does not need to make an extra effort to reach a good temperature before going to work.

That's why eating hot seems to be a good option for those who suffer from digestive problems or slow digestions In addition, as with spicy food, hot food is also a good way to get us through the heat.

Don't miss: 7 benefits of adding spicy spices in your meals

The temperature increases the absorption of some nutrients

Proper meal temperatures can increase the availability of some nutrients, such as antioxidant compounds in tomatoes and carrots.

Another aspect to consider when choosing between hot or cold food is How temperature affects food nutrients. In some cases, the temperature may favor the accessibility and absorption of some nutrients. Therefore, with food it will be convenient to apply some type of cooking before eating them:

• Raw eggs worsen the digestion of their proteins.
• Tomatoes and cooked carrots increase the availability of their antioxidant components such as lycopene and beta-carotenes.
• Broccoli, to better access the action of glucosinolates.

Nutrient loss

Contrary to what was seen before, other times Cooking food can lead to a significant loss of nutrients. This happens, above all, with water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamins of group B, which are very sensitive to heat.

The main source of these vitamins in our diet are fruits and vegetables, which can be eaten raw without any problem. So, It is a good idea to include salads and fresh fruits in our daily routine.

We have already seen that if they are followed by a hot second dish or some hot drink, the stomach also manages to reach the optimum temperature to work. And if it is hard for us to eat very cold foods, we can take them out of the refrigerator a little in advance to temper their temperature.

In the case of those vegetables that cannot be taken raw, the most suitable cooking will be the steam, the oven or a quick stir fry. Only the minimum time to remain al dente.

Hot or cold food to prevent poisoning

Foods such as fish, eggs and meat should be cooked very well to eliminate possible pathogenic microorganisms.

Food security is also important when feeding. This especially At the time of preparing and cooking food, that is when we can take more risks. With good management of cooking temperatures we can save many health problems that could become important.

Bacterial growth is directly related to temperature. By applying heat we can eliminate most pathogens. Therefore, it is recommended to cook the most sensitive foods very well (meat, egg or fish).

Likewise, we must make sure that no portion of food has been raw or undercooked. Once cooked we should consume them in the shortest possible time or keep them above 65 degrees. If we want to eat them cold, it is important to maintain the rules of cooking and proper conservation in cold.

Find out more How to prevent food poisoning?

Hot food usually tastes better

The taste of food is perceived in the tongue thanks to taste buds. A food temperature between 20 and 37 degrees favors the perception of flavors. And, on many occasions, softer and softer textures are achieved.

On the contrary, when we eat very cold foods we have to taste them for a while to end up appreciating their flavor. However, you have to be careful with very hot meals.

On the one hand, we tend to reject them to avoid burning our tongues. And on the other hand, Continued intake of too hot foods can favor the appearance of problems in the esophagus and stomach.

As indicated by the Cancer Research Agency "Very hot drinks (above 65 degrees) are classified as possible carcinogens." They reached this conclusion after reviewing around 1,000 studies investigating the intake of hot drinks and their possible connection with cancer.

Although we may think that the taste of food will not make them more or less healthy options, it is very important to know how to enjoy food. Beyond quantities, nutrients or their absorption, Food also has a lot to do with emotions and well-being.

Enjoying each bite with tasty foods will turn our meals into an act of pleasure and enjoyment. And this, although it does not seem relevant, is also a good bet for health.

How to choose the best option?

Of all the advantages and disadvantages of hot or cold food, we can develop the following keys for a better choice:

• Combine hot and cold dishes at each meal, throughout the year.
• Steamed, baked or sauteed vegetables for a short time, to minimize the loss of vitamins and improve the availability of nutrients.
• Cook meat, fish and eggs well and eat them freshly made or reheated.
• Some foods need cooking to better absorb their nutrients. This does not mean that we cannot eat them cold. Yes, always respecting the optimal conditions of conservation and remembering that warm or hot foods always taste better.