Monday, June 18, 2018

The Health Benefits Of A Raw Food Diet

By Melissa Foster


Cooking and processing foods can result in a loss of nutrients and the destruction of certain enzymes. Some people choose not to do this and to eat foods that have been processed in different ways such as dehydration, juicing, soaking, blending and sprouting. Eating a raw food diet often results in an increase in energy and loss of weight.

This eating style is believed to improve digestion as it increases the amount of dietary fiber consumed. The body becomes more alkaline than acidic, reducing inflammation. As foods move more quickly through the gut, they do not sit there and become fermented, causing bloating, gas and toxins to accumulate. Heart health benefits too because of weight loss and lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A less significant benefit but one which can make a difference to the appearance is a lovely, clear skin.

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.

Most people who embrace this lifestyle experience weight loss. Sometimes this weight loss is too dramatic. Losing weight gradually is more healthy and better sustained over time. Individuals need to monitor their weight loss or they could lose too much weight which has negative health consequences.

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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