Raw Foods Diet Review

‘Raw food diet’ today holds the unique distinction of being the most widely discussed and contested diet theory ever proposed. Its proponents hail it as one of best ways to improve ones own health while its detractors label it at as a highly risky diet option which offers more harm than benefits. Incidentally a lot of research has been undertaken at leading universities to understand the effect of a raw food diet and the results have been mixed which has added to the confusion.

Before we discuss its merits and demerits, it is prudent for us to understand what a typical raw food diet signifies. Purists argue that a raw food diet is primarily composed of unprocessed and uncooked plant foods which may include vegetables, grains, nuts, etc along with fruits and at least 75 percent of the food intake must be living or raw.

It is widely known that cooking food at a temperature of more than 116 degrees Fahrenheit can destroy most enzymes present in the food which typically assist in digestion and subsequent absorption of food in our body. Thus proponents of raw food diets vociferously argue that cooking takes the life force out of food and thus is bad for our health.

Though consumption of raw meat is frowned upon by some raw food proponents, significant amounts of people who follow a raw food diet, consume them in a regular manner as they believe they are rich in minerals and omega 3 fatty acids.

Key Advantage of Raw Food Diet

Some of the key advantages of raw food diets are listed below for you reference

Substantial Increase in Energy Levels: Proponents of raw food diets argue that consuming raw food can increase your energy levels and will help you to perform strenuous physical activity

Improved Skin: Another benefit typically associated with a raw food diet is an improvement in your skin tone and increased radiance.

Weight Loss: Invariably weight loss counts as one of the major benefits of a raw food diet. Since you will avoid all kinds of processed foods in a raw food diet, it means you are keeping yourself away from all junk foods and caffeinated drinks. Thus a weight loss is nearly assured with a raw food diet.

Reduced Risk of Diseases: Proponents of raw food diet argue that sticking to raw foods can significantly reduce your chances of falling prey to cardiovascular diseases. In addition your overall digestion is also expected to improve and you can easily avoid major lifestyle related diseases.

Key Disadvantages of Raw Food Diet

Food Poisoning: Detractors of raw food diet point out the risk of poisoning associated with consuming raw foods, especially meat products which can be highly toxic to our body. Gastroenteritis outbreaks amongst people who consume raw foods have repeatedly been noticed. In addition some raw plant foods may contain deadly micro organisms.

Nutritional deficiencies: A number of nutritional deficiencies have repeatedly been noticed amongst people who consume raw food and at times their bodies are short of essential minerals like calcium, iron and zinc to name a few.