A raw food diet emphasizes only the consumption of raw food. The reason more people are beginning to pursue a raw food diet is based on the premise that cooked food losing much of its essential vitamins an minerals during the cooking process and also that cooking food destroys enzymes necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of food.

The raw food diet consists of unprocessed fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and sprouts. There are different types of raw food diets such as those based only on fruits and vegetables, fruit only or those that include raw meat or animal products such as eggs along with fruit and vegetables. The choice of diet type depends largely on personal preference.

Why is a raw food diet preferable? Many people claim that a raw food diet has several health benefits such as better digestion, more energy, less health problems, weight loss and even slowing of the aging process. A raw food diet does offer a natural alternative to traditional dietary considerations. The main concern with a raw food vegan diet is the use of pesticides. It is best to buy organic when purchasing fruits and vegetables. People often choose to grown their own which of course, is a good option.

Although a raw food diet does appear to have some health benefits as studies have shown such as lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancer there are also other factors that should be taken into consideration. A raw food diet can create certain nutritional deficiencies such as protein, calcium and iron. A raw food diet may not provide an adequate supply of these and other necessary nutritional requirements. In addition those who eat raw meat as part of their raw food diet risk the illness through contamination by bacteria and/or parasites.

There have been many dietary claims to cure specific diseases or improve general health but it is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your regular diet especially if you have an existing health condition. People who are anemic, diabetic or have other health conditions may cause themselves unnecessary harm by completely changing their current diet. Children should not be put on a raw food diet or any other type of diet without the permission of their pediatrician. A child’s body needs certain vitamins and minerals for healthy development. Those nutrients can become deficient on certain types of diets that may negatively affect a child’s health and/or development. If the child is overweight it is best to consult with the pediatrician to develop a dietary plan that will assist the child in losing weight without jeopardizing health.

Weight loss should not be the only reason to institute a raw food diet into one’s lifestyle. The ultimate goal should be to improve overall health and well being. If you would like to embark convert to a raw food diet but are uncertain whether or not this lifestyle change would work for you it is best to make the change slowly. Start by adding more raw foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains into your diet while still maintaining your regular diet. As you increase the raw foods in your diet you can slowly decrease your old food habits. If you have any questions or concerns about the raw food diet consult with your physician or a dietician. They can help address any concerns you may have and work with you to adapt your diet to a healthier more productive way of eating to improve your health and quality of life. It is important however to keep in mind that no diet is a cure all. Changes toward developing a healthier lifestyle take time and depend on consistent efforts.

Since when was getting a raw deal a good thing? When you decide to try the Raw Food Diet, apparently. Proponents of this natural food diet stick to unprocessed uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweed.

Most adherents are vegetarian, while some eat raw fish and even fewer eat (gulp!) raw meat. Either way, you may as well say bye-bye to that new stainless steel stove of yours. That’s because raw food proponents believe that heating any food above 116 degrees Fahrenheit destroys important enzymes that help in digestion and absorption of the essential nourishment you get from your meals.

Critics claim that even if enzymes are inactivated when food is heated, the body uses its own enzymes for digestion. They also point out that cooking makes some phytochemicals easier to absorb into your system.

Regardless of which side you stand on, the emphasis on natural, non-processed food sources, is undeniably a good place to start.

So, are you still interested in trying the raw eating lifestyle? Since this is a pretty drastic change in your eating habits, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and nausea when you first give up sugar and caffeine. But don’t fret; it should only last a couple days. You may also risk some nutritional deficiencies such as protein, calcium and iron, so consider consulting your doctor first.

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By: Diets In Review

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