Is cooking worth it in Sea of Thieves?

I've been wondering, is cooking really worth the effort in Sea of Thieves? I mean, sure, it adds a bit of realism to the game, but does it really provide any tangible benefits? Do the buffs you get from cooked food actually make a difference in combat or other situations? And is it worth the time and resources it takes to gather ingredients and cook them up? I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether cooking is a worthwhile endeavor in Sea of Thieves.