Why do some people insist that hot food is healthier than cold food?

My Mom used to make this pasta dish that had all kinds of good veggies and chicken in it. Her friend used to fuss about it, saying Mom needed HOT food. It had to be hot or it wasn’t healthy!

I got into a discussion on Facebook with some random user about the DCF / unpaid school lunch issue. Long story short, she insisted that even if all the kids got for dinner every night at home was Raman noodles, “Well, at least it’s a hot and nutritious meal.” She stuck her fingers in her ears when I said it was no more nutritious than eating the raw, crunchy Raman, then pouring salt into your mouth.

What is with the idea that hot food is healthier than cold food?