Have you heard about the
raw food diet? What exactly is a raw food diet? It is believed that heating foods above 116 degrees Fahrenheit destroys the enzymes found in foods that aids in the absorption and digestion of foods. Cooking foods is also believed to reduce the nutritional value of foods. So a raw food diet consists of uncooked and unprocessed plant foods. Foods include fresh fruits, beans, grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, sprouts and seaweed. In general a minimum of 75% of the diet must consist of raw or living foods.
It is believed that the benefits of a raw food diet include increased energy, better digestion, improved skin appearance, and reduced risk of heart disease and weight loss. A raw food diet has less trans and saturated fats than the average Western diet. This diet is also lower in sodium and high in potassium, foliate, fiber, magnesium and phytochemicals. These properties can help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The preparation of foods in a raw food
diets that work include using sprouting seeds, grains and beans; juicing fruits and vegetables; soaking nuts and dried fruits, dehydrating foods and blending. Equipment you will need to prepare foods includes a good juice extractor, dehydrator, food processor, blender or chopper. You need large glass containers to sprout and soak beans, grains and seeds and mason jars for storage.
After beginning a raw food diet you may experience some detoxification reactions. The symptoms may include headaches, cravings and nausea and may last for several days. It is not recommended you start a raw food diet if you are pregnant, nursing, anemic, at risk for osteoporosis or a child. Also, precautions may need to be taken to prevent deficiencies of B12, Calcium and Iron as well as calories and protein.
Changing to a
raw food diet requires dedication and hard work. It is sometimes difficult to find some ingredients like carob powder, date sugar sprouted flour and Celtic sea salt.
It is believed that the benefits of a raw food diet include increased energy, better digestion, improved skin appearance, and reduced risk of heart disease and weight loss. A raw food diet has less trans and saturated fats than the average Western diet. This diet is also lower in sodium and high in potassium, foliate, fiber, magnesium and phytochemicals. These properties can help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The preparation of foods in a raw food diets that work include using sprouting seeds, grains and beans; juicing fruits and vegetables; soaking nuts and dried fruits, dehydrating foods and blending. Equipment you will need to prepare foods includes a good juice extractor, dehydrator, food processor, blender or chopper. You need large glass containers to sprout and soak beans, grains and seeds and mason jars for storage.
After beginning a raw food diet you may experience some detoxification reactions. The symptoms may include headaches, cravings and nausea and may last for several days. It is not recommended you start a raw food diet if you are pregnant, nursing, anemic, at risk for osteoporosis or a child. Also, precautions may need to be taken to prevent deficiencies of B12, Calcium and Iron as well as calories and protein.
Changing to a raw food diet requires dedication and hard work. It is sometimes difficult to find some ingredients like carob powder, date sugar sprouted flour and Celtic sea salt.