The Raw Food Diet

The raw food diet is based on unprocessed and uncooked plant food like fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, nuts, and seaweed.  At least 75% of the diet must be living or raw, and it is recommended that a large quantity of the food be organic.

Heating food above 116 degrees F is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking food is also thought to decrease the nutritional value and “life force” of the food.  Plus, raw foods taste better; they often have more flavor versus the same thing cooked.

What are ways of telling if a food is raw/living? Foods that have not been processed in any way, shape or form are raw and living foods (until cooked). Processed foods (canned, bottled or prepackaged) are usually adulterated, or changed from their original state, by heating, additives, preservatives, colorings, or adding salt or sugar. Raw/living foods are in their natural state. 

The raw food diet provides numerous health benefits including increased energy, better digestion, improved skin appearance, weight loss, and reduced risk of heart disease.

The diet is low in trans and saturated fat and sodium.  It is high in potassium, folate, magnesium, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals.  Just these properties alone are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

When first starting the raw food diet, the body will sometimes go through a detox period, especially if the person’s previous diet was rich in meat, sugar, and caffeine.  Thus, it is recommended that you start the transition slowly, so as to not have such a harsh detoxification reaction.  Mild headaches, nausea, and cravings are typical detox symptoms that can occur but usually last for only a few days.  

The raw food diet is not for everyone including children, pregnant or nursing women, people at risk for osteoporosis, and people with anemia.  Raw foodists must spend a lot of time, energy, and commitment on the diet to be healthy. Much of the food is made from scratch, and some ingredients may be hard to find.

For a great site with more information about the diet click here.