Your white blood cells are an important part of your body's immune system. As with all metabolically active cells, the white blood cells need the energy and building blocks you derive from foods to stay functional. The foods you eat -- both cooked and raw -- help maintain your immune system.
White Blood Cells
Many different kinds of cells exist in your blood. The ones most people think of when they imagine blood cells are red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to your tissues. Fewer white blood cells than red are in the blood, but the white cells are very important to normal function. They act as part of the immune system.
Cellular Needs
Like all metabolically active cells, white blood cells need energy to function. You provide your white blood cells with energy by consuming foods -- either cooked or raw -- that contain proteins, carbohydrates and fats. White blood cells also need vitamins and minerals, which you can get from both raw and cooked foods as well. The role of vitamins and minerals is to help maintain fluid balance, cellular communication and a variety of other functions.
Raw Vs. Cooked
Proponents of the so-called "raw food" movement say raw foods are better for you because they have their enzymes intact. This, the story goes, helps enhance digestion, immune function and other body functions. However, no scientific evidence indicates you need the enzymes in food to function, nor does any evidence indicate that these enzymes help you digest your food or enhance health in any way. The vitamin content of raw food is slightly greater than that of cooked food, however, notes Dr. D. Zhang and colleagues in a 2004 article in "Food Chemistry."
General Guidelines
No special cooked foods -- nor raw foods -- are needed to maintain your white blood cells. Eating a balanced diet enhances health in general, and helps maintain the cellular components of the immune system. Select lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains as your primary sources of calories. You might wish to talk to your doctor about vitamin and mineral supplements if you find you are getting ill frequently.
References
- "Human Physiology"; Lauralee Sherwood; 2004
- "Food Chemistry"; "Phenolics, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and antioxidant activity of broccoli and their changes during conventional and microwave cooking"; D. Zhang et al; 2004
