Considering a Raw Food Diet?
Consuming raw food is natural. Our bodies thrive on all that is fresh and vital. A raw food diet (or at least increasing the amount of raw food that you eat) is bound to bring a feeling of increased wellbeing.
This is because raw food diets are based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, preferably organic, such as a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruit, fresh juices, and purified water.
Why Raw Foods?
A raw food diet promotes eating and drinking what can be called "living" foods. Living foods and juices contain the maximum amount of fiber found in raw produce, fiber that can be lost during processing. Such foods are easily metabolized and tend to be lower in calories than the average diet.
When we eat food above 116°F, the enzymes commonly in food that aid in digestion and absorption are destroyed, thus diminishing its nutritional value.
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet
A diet of at least 75% raw food offers numerous health benefits, such as increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion, weight loss, and reduced risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A raw food diet contains little or no saturated fats, is low in sodium, high in potassium, magnesium, folate, and fiber.
Raw food diets are also excellent for natural detoxing. Different combinations of raw, living foods and juices can be used for colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing and skin cleansing.
The Basics of a Raw Food Diet
Any fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, beans, nuts, legumes, young coconut milk and even seaweed can be on the menu for a raw food diet. And your choice of foods may depend on your more specific reasons for dieting. For example:
- sprouted brown rice slows glucose absorption and improves the metabolism.
- cabbage supports healthy cellular function; radish leaves act as an anti-oxidant, as do Shitake mushroom.
-carrots are a great source of vitamin A as well as encouraging healthy vision and a healthy cardio-vascular system.
-sprout seeds, grains, beans and even wheatgrass.
Sprouts in particular could be called a super food, and organic sprouts specifically contain enormous levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, chlorophyll pigments, and enzymes; and so are an example of an ideal natural supplement.
Sprouts can be used in salads and soups as well as for juicing. Fresh juices are a great, ready-made energy supply. A simple and easy example of a great juicing recipe to complement a raw food diet could be carrot juice with potato, some fennel, and apple. It would be as easy as tossing in 4 medium carrots, 2 apples, 1 small potato and 1 small stalk of fennel. Press a button and you're done.
Fennel in particular has been shown to reduce and control inflammation of arthritis, it evens mood fluctuation and depressive states, and has the rare nutrient called manganese as well as zinc and vitamin B complex. The nutritional value of grains and seeds in general is impressive. They contain most of the highly important vitamins to human health, particularly A, B, and E. They're also fantastic natural sources of unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin, as well as an excellent source of protein.
Essentially, the idea of a raw food diet is to eat unprocessed foods for at least 75% of the time. And if the idea of raw food isn't very appetizing to you, you can warm the food a little bit. As long as the food isn't heated above 116°F.
Cautionary Note
As with any major change in diet, it's a wise idea to consult your doctor before beginning. This is especially true for children, pregnant women, those suffering from anemia, and anyone in particular with a pre-existing medical condition.
Even natural foods can conflict with certain medications, so please ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any medication.
Because a raw food diet is detoxifying, some people suffer a mild detox-like reaction that may include mild headaches, nausea, and cravings. These symptoms may last for several days but they'll subside. And you'll get more enjoyment out of your raw food diet if you cut down on things like meat, sugar, and caffeine as well a week or so before beginning your new diet.
Last But Not Least
A raw food diet is certainly a good way to improve your overall health and well-being. Like anything worthwhile though it takes time, energy, and commitment. Because many of the foods for this particular type of diet are made from scratch, it's also important to remember that there is some preparation time involved. There are many great products on the market though that can help you prepare your own living food while saving you some time as well.
Combined with regular exercise, a raw food diet is also an excellent weight loss method. If you've been feeling a little off, or just need a pick-me-up and some extra energy, then a raw food diet could be just what you need.
