Eating Raw: What does it mean and what are the benefits?
By Tiffany Wade
With McDonald’s and Starbucks on practically every corner in the United States, it is difficult not to quickly grab the item that tempts you. However, Americans have made exercise and healthy eating a trend once again and the raw food diet is included! How do you know if it is the right method of healthy eating for you? We have compiled some facts that may help you decide!
What is the raw food diet?
Since the 1800s, “raw foodists” have been promoting a diet that consists of unprocessed, uncooked vegan foods that haven’t been cooked above 104-118 degrees Fahrenheit. Once food reaches this threshold, it is believed to lose its nutritional value which is more harmful than good. With a recent health kick throughout society, this diet has become popular once again. People are blending, juicing, sprouting, soaking, and dehydrating their primarily plant-based foods to make sure their raw food intake is at least 75%.
Is there only one type of raw food diet?
The types of food consumed in a raw food diet vary. According to Medical News Today, there are three different types of raw food diets for people to follow: vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous. The raw vegan diet would exclude animal products and only focus on plant-based food. To follow the raw vegetarian diet, you would eat plant-based foods plus raw eggs and unprocessed dairy products. A raw omnivorous diet includes plant-based foods, raw animal products, and raw or dried meat.
The following lists were gathered from Healthline:
What can you eat?
All fresh fruits
All raw vegetables
Raw nuts and seeds
Raw grains and legumes, sprouted or soaked
Dried fruits and meats
Nut milks
Raw nut butters
Cold-pressed olive and coconut oils
Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut
Seaweed
Sprouts
Raw eggs or dairy, if desired
Raw meat or fish, if desired
What should you avoid?
Cooked fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains
Baked items
Roasted nuts and seeds
Refined oils
Table salt
Refined sugars and flour
Pasteurized juices and dairy
Coffee and tea
Alcohol
Pasta
Pastries
Chips
Other processed foods and snacks
What are the benefits according to scientists?
Low calories can lead to weight loss
Incorporates food high in nutrients and fiber
Limits processed junk foods and added sugar
Lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
What are the downsides according to scientists?
Difficult to meet calorie needs
Cooking makes it easier to digest
Easier to get calories and nutrients from food
Deficient in calories, vitamins, minerals, and protein
Lowered “healthy” HDL cholesterol levels and led to a vitamin-B12 deficiency
Increased risk of tooth erosion
Weight loss can be bad for those who are underweight or close to being underweight
Irregular menstrual cycle or stop menstruation (linked with low body weight)
Low bone mass
According to doctors, this is an effective short-term diet, but it may cause health issues when applied to your routine for an extended period of time. Just like every other diet, it is important to do extensive research and talk to a health professional before jumping on the bandwagon! After all, your health is what is going to help you continue getting through your busy day, so make sure you can say with confidence that you are doing what’s right for your body!
For additional information: https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-the-raw-vegan-diet-3378514