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Renowned figures in the limelight often adhere to strict dietary regimes to maintain their physical fitness and well-being. From embracing plant-based diets to forgoing staple foods, they explore various nutritional approaches, including intermittent fasting. Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, an advocate of body positivity, is mindful of her dietary choices. She has shared that her meals primarily consist of home-cooked, largely raw, and gluten-free fare. Vidya's stance aligns with the growing trend among celebrities and health advocates who promote the consumption of uncooked foods to preserve their nutritional value.

However, it is important to note that certain food items are actually healthier when subjected to cooking. For instance, the process of cooking red-colored vegetables like tomatoes enhances the availability of lycopene and other carotenoids, which can bolster the immune system, combat cancer cells, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, individuals relying solely on a raw food diet may miss out on essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Consuming contaminated food can expose people to harmful bacteria and viruses. To mitigate this risk, thoroughly cooking vegetables and meats can eliminate dangerous microbes and prevent food-borne illnesses like food poisoning. Cooking also helps break down complex components in raw food, making them more digestible, especially for those with sensitive stomachs, such as pregnant individuals.

The raw food diet is believed to aid weight loss by eliminating the unhealthy fats typically found in processed and packaged foods. This diet is also thought to be a rich source of easily-absorbed energy, live enzymes, nutrients, and vitamins. Additionally, raw foods may require less bodily fluids for digestion. Research suggests that a raw food diet can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce high blood pressure, as it consists of unprocessed, natural ingredients.