The Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food diet consists of unprocessed and uncooked, usually organic food. Food can be dried using a dehydrator or warmed to a maximum of 46.7 C. The Raw Food diet is based on the idea that cooking food at temperatures above 46.7 C can destroy vital enzymes that are found in raw food and help you digest the food and absorb their nutrients.

The raw food diet includes foods such as nuts, fruit, vegetables, beans, unpasteurized dairy, meat, fish, legumes, seaweed, sprouts and eggs.

Not only is the Raw Food diet rich in some essential nutrients, it is also thought to have many more benefits. The Raw Food diet has been known to enhance the appearance of skin, increase feelings of energy, and improve digestion. It is also high in fiber, potassium, and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, these factors are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and digestive tract disease. It can aid weight loss due to its high fiber (which fills you up) and low kilojoule content.

 

On the other hand, there are down falls to this diet. Some are short-lived and some are more permanent. When starting the Raw Food diet, you may experience head aches, nausea, and mild depression. The Raw Food diet largely limits the variety of your food intake which can limit your nutrient intake and therefore lead to nutrient (e.g. vitamin B12, protein and iron) deficiencies.

Some nutrients, such as carotenoids and lycopenes, (which are disease fighting antioxidants) are better absorbed when cooked. Additionally, Raw Food diet can lead to other health problems such as dental erosion and lowered bone mass (a contributing factor in osteoporosis associated with a lack of calcium in the diet). Not only can the raw food diet to health problems, but can be more difficult to find some ingredients and food preparation takes more effort.

 

So, if you’re keen on trying the Raw Food Diet speak with a dietitian, nutritionist or your doctor to see if this diet is right for you. They can also help you plan your diet to keep you on track. If you are serious about going raw, ease yourself slowly into the diet. Start by making your diet 70% raw and reducing the number of cooked meals you have each week to only having a few cooked meals per month.

Then when you are ready you can go completely raw. You may want to invest in a blender and/or food processor and a good raw food recipes books so you can make delicious raw meals.