Raw Versus Cooked Contrary to the opinion of strict raw-food advocates, cooking certain foods, some of the time, can actually help you absorb more nutrients. However, there are MAJOR health benefits to consuming RAW vegetables as well. Cooking is crucial to our diets. It helps us digest food without expending huge amounts of energy. It softens food, such as cellulose fiber and raw meat that our small teeth, weak jaws and digestive systems aren’t equipped to handle. While we m