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The Health Benefits Of A Raw Food Diet

By Melissa Foster


It has become popular to avoid eating foods that have been cooked or processed. The reason for this is that cooking or processing foods is believed to destroy natural enzymes and nutrients. People who embrace this way of eating process their foods in other ways such as soaking, juicing, sprouting, fermenting and dehydrating them. A raw food diet has been embraced by many individuals who find that it gives them plenty of energy and restores their health.

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.

Foods that can be eaten include all fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nut milks and butters, seaweed, sprouts, nuts and seeds. Cold-pressed olive and coconut oils, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi are popular. Some people eat raw eggs, meat and fish.

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.

One of the challenges of eating largely plant-based foods is that it can result in a deficiency of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in eggs, meat, fish and some grains and many people trying to eat uncooked foods eliminate these foods because they taste better when cooked. Vitamin B12 supplements may be added to counteract this problem. The protein and iron found in animal products can be replaced with other options.




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