What is a raw foods diet? Is it just another form of vegetarian diet, or perhaps a new passing fad? What benefits can be derived from such a diet and can it be dangerous to your health?
A raw food diet is one that is based on foods that are completely unprocessed and uncooked. The distinction is sometimes made that "suncooked" is acceptable, that is fruit and vegetables that have been dried by the heat of the sun.
A typical diet of this kind will include items such as dried fruit, seaweed, nuts and beans, grains, seeds, sprouts and of course fresh fruit and vegetables.
Proponents of this type of diet believe that heating food above 116 degrees Fahrenheit destroy the natural enzymes in the food that aid with the absorption and digestion of food. Cooking is also responsible for destroying a large part of the nutritional value of food.
Those who believe in a fresh foods diet is of the opinion that it has a large number of health benefits, some of which include the following:
An increase in energy levels: Since the nutritional value of the food is not destroyed by cooking, the food that you eat is able to provide you with much better nutrition and will subsequently result in improved energy levels.
The fact that the natural enzymes present in raw food are not destroyed because of cooking it, the whole process of food digestion is therefore enhanced and you will have much less problems with e. G. Indigestion, heartburn etc.
A diet consisting of raw foods also contains much less trans fat and saturated fat than a typical Western diet consisting of cooked foods. This is not only beneficial for weight loss programs, but is also good for cardiovascular health.
The fact that such a diet is high in potassium and low in sodium and also contains a lot of folate, magnesium, fiber and phytochemicals (plant chemicals believed to promote general health and well-being) has beneficial effects on diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Studies published in nutritional journals have also proven that it has the ability to decrease 'bad' cholesterol while stimulating the production of "good" cholesterol.
To make it easier to follow a raw foods diet you can employ techniques such as juicing fruits and vegetables, drying fruits in the sun, using a blender to make delicious fruit and vegetable blends and dehydrating food.
Potential side effects:
A raw foods diet might not be suitable for everyone. Under certain circumstances it could we wise for you to consult your physician before embarking on such a diet.
The diet is especially not recommended for growing children, pregnant or nursing women, patients suffering from anemia and people at high risk of osteoporosis.
You must also be aware that a raw foods diet might lead to certain deficiencies, unless you take specific steps to make sure that your diet includes enough of the following: Calcium, Iron, Vitamin B12, Protein and Calories.
The health benefits of a raw foods diet however far outweigh any potential negatives. If you make sure that you follow a balanced diet, including enough protein, vitamins and minerals, you are going to lead a much healthier lifestyle than your friend following a fast food diet!
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