Fran: I’ve heard cooking vegetables is less healthy than eating them raw. Is that true and why would that be??

Megan: I would say that a variety of cooked and raw is a good choice. Some say cooking vegetables strips some of the enzymes, nutrients, and vitamins. Others say cooked vegetables are better for digestion and absorption. Either way, vegetables are good for you and getting your daily dose is what is truly important. Stay away from frying them, and steam versus boiling them to preserve antioxidants. Raw is the easy, quick way. A salad would be the best example. Frozen and canned are the less preferred because of the preservatives such as sodium for shelf life. Sometimes cooking vegetables like spinach tricks you to eat more because it shrinks up so visually you want a larger portion. Bottom line, eat those veggies. 

If you have a question for Dr. FIT, email her at everybodysfit@gmail.com and be sure to check out her website www.everybodysfitoceanside.com