Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne welcomes back functional medicine expert Jacqui Bryan for a fresh look at the big debate around raw versus cooked vegetables and their true benefits for immunity, digestion, and overall health, especially during and after cancer treatment.Saranne and Jacqui uncover the surprising ways that cooking methods can affect the nutritional power of everyday vegetables, from boosting lycopene in tomatoes to improving iron absorption in spinach. Through laughter, memorable vegetable puns, and clear nutrition strategies, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and unexpected wisdom for anyone eager to get the most out of every meal, whether they're dealing with Stage IV cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to stay well.Jacqui Bryan is a certified nutrition specialist, RN, whole health educator, certified health coach, and a leader in functional medicine. With extensive experience guiding cancer patients and survivors, Jacqui's integrative approach supports immunity, reduces disease risk, and helps transform lives. Her expertise, conveyed through relatable stories and evidence-based recommendations, has resonated with listeners worldwide in over 120 episodes. "Your immune system is made up of these nutrients, and we know that nutrition is one of the most beneficial things we can do for our body with or without cancer." ~Jacqui Bryan Today on Beating Cancer Daily:· Cooked tomatoes have reduced vitamin C but increased lycopene, offering greater anti-cancer and heart health benefits· Lightly cooking carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes increases the availability of beta carotene and vitamin A, key for immunity and vision· Cooking spinach or kale enhances iron absorption by breaking down oxalates that inhibit mineral uptake· Mushrooms and asparagus provide more antioxidants and essential nutrients when cooked rather than raw, with cooking also reducing potential toxins· Boiling vegetables leads to the greatest nutrient loss, while steaming and roasting best preserve vitamins and flavor· Those with low iron, immunity issues, or in active chemotherapy may benefit more from cooked vegetables due to improved safety and nutrient absorption· Washing and preparing vegetables carefully is crucial for those with compromised immunity to avoid foodborne illness· Deciding between raw and cooked vegetables should be based on nutritional goals, digestion ease, and specific health needs, not broad “raw is always better” mythsResources Mentioned:· Environmental Working Group – Dirty Dozen List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/· Jacqui Bryan’s website: https://www.jacquibryan.com/2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards Best Health Series FinalistRanked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcasts by CancerCare News in 2024 & 2025,and #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot in 2024 to 2025. Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in 140 countries across 7 continents and features over 400 original daily episodes hosted by Stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg. To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:https://www.comedycures.org/ To write to Saranne or a guest:https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8 To record a message to Saranne or a guest:https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:https://www.comedycures.org/ Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate THANK YOU! Please tell a friend whom we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review. Have a blessed day! Saranne

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