The Raw Food Diet - Explained

The Raw Food Diet - Explained
by Meadow Summers

foods or foods that have been adulterated or modified.

In order to be considered a raw foodist, it is thought that one's diet must consist of
at least 75% raw foods.

The health benefits touted by its proponents include better digestion and assimilation
of foods, weight loss, reduced risk of disease, increased energy and improved skin,
hair and nails.

There are less saturated fats and trans fats contained in unadulterated foods as
compared to the standard American diet. There is less sodium and more important
nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, fiber, folate, and plant phytochemicals.
Studies have shown that consuming a raw food diet can not only reduce your risk of
chronic disease, but it also is known to lower triglycerides and total blood cholesterol.

There are various methods for preparation used. Some wonderful cookbooks are
available that are filled with gourmet recipes. While some of these recipes can be
quite complicated to prepare, they are surprisingly satisfying and delicious. The
creativity involved in preparing gourmet raw foods is astounding.

The typical equipment found in a raw kitchen differ somewhat from those found in a
traditional kitchen. Tools such as a dehydrator (which dries food slowly at
temperatures not to exceed 115 degrees), a juicer, a blender, and a food processor.
You would also find a supply of glass jars and containers used for soaking and
sprouting seeds, grains, beans, and nuts.

Embarking on a this type of diet may bring on some side effects that are associated
with detoxification. Symptoms such as food cravings, headaches, and nausea are
common and may last for a few days. However, once they have passed, the
cravings will pass and you will start to feel extremely well. Brain fog lifts and energy
levels rise.

It does take dedication to commit to a this pure a diet. Meals are prepared from
scratch and ingredients used are not always typical. There are many websites
dedicated to selling products to support this lifestyle. On these sites you can find
difficult to locate items. A quick Google search will bring back many supplier options.
There are also wonderful raw food restaurants popping up all over the country. Even
if you are not a raw foodist, some of the finer restaurants offer a unique dining
experience.

There are critics of the this diet who believe that the enzymes lost during cooking are
not vital to digestion and that there are certain phytochemicals in certain plant foods
that are actually released when they are exposed to heat making them easier to
absorb.

Whether you chose to embark on a raw food diet or not, it is important to evaluate
your current diet. Are you eating any uncooked plant foods? Are you getting the
proper nutrition from the foods that you eat?

Regardless of whether you are a or just want to eat more healthfully, it is
important to consume about 50% of raw foods in a given day. This will ensure that
you are getting the right variety of nutrients from your diet.

About The Author

Meadow Summers

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I completely changed my lifestyle,
dropped almost 50 pounds and began a regimen of complementary treatments to
support my immune system and get my body healthy again. My website is a great resource for those interested in raw foods. You will find lots of
useful information, recipes and tips about living a healthy lifestyle.

What is the raw food diet? It is a diet
based on the belief that heating foods
above 115 degrees destroys the
precious enzymes it contains. When
the enzymes are destroyed, it is
more difficult for our systems to
absorb and digest food. The act of
heating food above 115 degrees is
thought to greatly diminish its "life
force" and rob it of nutrients.

Foods such as uncooked plant foods,
fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds,
grains, beans, nuts, sprouts and sea
vegetables are what make up a raw
food diet. There are no processed

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.