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Raw food diets What is a raw food diet? A raw food diet is a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plants, such as vegetables and fruit, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grain, beans and seaweed. Raw foods are very high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Studies show that eating raw foods lowers both cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are both main indicators of heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. How are raw foods prepared? People who follow the raw food diet use different techniques to prepare their foods. These techniques includes sprouting seeds and beans, soaking nuts and dried fruits, and juicing fruits and vegetables. Other food preparation techniques includes blending and chopping. After the food is prepared, it may then be put in a dehydrator to warm or moisten the food at a temperature set no higher than 116 degrees. Health benefits of following a raw food diet Increasing the amount of raw foods in your diet or switching to a raw food diet can improve your skin appearance, improve digestion, and reduce your risk of many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Also, most raw foods have less trans and saturated fats than most cooked foods. Pros and Cons of following a raw food diet Raw food diet advocates claim that when food is cooked, many of the the enzymes in food are destroyed. However, there are some health concerns involving eating raw foods. When a person goes on a raw food diet, they tend to eat more nuts, oils, and avocados. Nuts are not only high in fat, but some people have a difficult time digesting them. Consuming too many nuts may leave you tired and fatigued. Raw foods are usually involves less packaging when being shipped, and it requires less energy sources when cooking. Making raw food diet the near perfect solution to eco-friendly eating. Buying raw fruits and vegetables When buying raw fruits and vegetables, buy organic or locally grown. Avoid eating raw meat, because it can contain bacteria and parasites. If possible, grow your own fruit and vegetables. If you don't have a lot of yard space, consider container gardening.
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