The Benefits Of A Raw Food Diet

By Melissa Foster


Eating foods that have not been cooked, microwaved, processed, genetically engineered or irradiated has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is due to the belief that these processes cause the destruction of natural enzymes and a reduction in nutrient content. Alternative methods such as juicing, dehydrating, sprouting, soaking and blending are used. A raw food diet is usually plant-based.

People who follow this way of eating often experience health benefits. More dietary fiber improves their digestion and prevents them from becoming constipated. The fact that they do not eat baked or processed foods means that many unhealthy snacks with high fat and sugar content are eliminated. It is easier to maintain an alkaline balance in the body when eating in this way and this helps to reduce inflammation which is the root of many diseases.

Those who enjoy this lifestyle benefit from the consumption of nuts, fresh vegetables, fruits and seeds. Vegetables are not cooked but processed in other ways. One of these is the process of fermentation which produces foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut. They use cold-pressed oils and milks and butters made from nuts.

Foods to be avoided include all cooked grains, meats, fruits and vegetables. Baked items and refined sugars, grains and flours are also avoided. Coffee and tea, alcohol, pasteurized juices and dairy are on the banned list as are foods with the words baked, toasted, cooked, dry-roasted or toasted on the label.

Substituting bacon and eggs for breakfast with a green smoothie is a good place to start. It offers many nutrients from ingredients like spinach and almond milk and gives a good burst of energy. Another breakfast to enjoy is soaked oats with berries. Many delicious, nutritious salads can be eaten at lunchtime with ingredients like fruit, nuts and avocado upping the nutritional content. For dinner, portabello mushrooms are filling and tasty when stuffed with nuts and veggies.

Transitioning gradually towards this lifestyle has a number of benefits. It can be quite intimidating to try and go all out right away. It takes a while to learn new methods of preparing food and stocking up on good recipes. Checking with a health practitioner is also important. Pregnant women, for example, may be advised not to eat this way.

Experts agree that weight loss needs to be monitored. Losing weight can be good for the health but losing too much too quickly is not advised. Evidence shows that those who lose weight slowly and steadily have more chance of keeping it off.

Grains, eggs, meat and fish contain vitamin B12, iron and protein which is essential for good health. These foods taste better when cooked and not eating them could lead to deficiencies in these nutrients. Some people still eat these foods raw but others choose not to eat them at all. A lack in vitamin B12 can severely damage the health so it may need to be supplemented. Sufficient iron and protein can be obtained from non-animal sources.




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