IMVVHO, the closer we can stick to "natural" foods, the better off we are. The more we eat food that has been altered from it's natural state, whether by chlorination or processing the beejeezus out of it, the worse off we will be, healthwise.
Yah, I think that fresh whole foods are -in the main- better for us than cooking since heat can degrade important minerals and vitamins. And yah, I know that just the OPPOSITE is true for other foods.
This is the way I look at it - if I can reproduce <insert current hotly-debated food item here> in my garden or kitchen, I'm more likely to eat it.
This is why I don't eat margarine, splenda-et al, box dinners, etc. My reasoning. My choice. And basically, moderation in all things....
Except laughter.
EVERYONE should laugh their days away. Life's too short to do otherwise.
PS. I think I'll grow stevia in my garden. It's plenty sweet
PPS. Just because I use <insert home cleaner here> around the house for disinfecting and cleaning doesn't mean I think it's ok to eat it.