I have a question about this episode 157. The More Plates More Dates podcast with Derek! and this Raw vs Cooked Debate Does raw or cooked meat digest more easily?

In the episode with Derek on the Paul Saladino MD podcast, the discussion touches on the raw versus cooked meat debate. Paul Saladino explains that while raw meat might preserve more heat-sensitive nutrients, cooking meat generally makes its proteins more digestible and bioavailable 1.

Cooking tends to denature some nutrients, particularly heat-labile vitamins like certain B vitamins and Vitamin C. However, the bioavailability of protein is typically improved through cooking, as shown in various studies. For example, in more well-cooked meats, proteins are easier for the body to digest and utilize 1.

Thus, while consuming raw meats like liver might retain more specific nutrients, cooked meats offer better protein bioavailability, highlighting a trade-off between nutrient retention and digestibility.