Raw! Raw! Raw!

Cheering For the Health Benefits

of a Raw Food Diet

By Linda Devers, MS |

A typical raw food diet is based on uncooked vegetables, especially hardy greens like kale, collards, and chard, as well as sea vegetables, fermented foods, fruits, nuts and seeds. Why this diet? In one study, nearly 65% of people eating a raw food diet began this eating program for health reasons, citing conditions like allergies, gastrointestinal problems and rheumatism.

Improved nutritional intake with fewer calories!

Eating raw foods lowers intake of saturated fats, cholesterol and, of course, animal fat products. Conversely, there is a higher intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins C and E, carotenids, and phytochemicals. The nutritional value of uncooked food is higher; there are more nutrients and enzymes available compared to cooked food. The sugar content of uncooked food is lower and there is better absorption of nutrients and improved digestion for many people.

Studies show that raw food dieters eat  at least 10% fewer calories per day compared to a traditional western diet. And they consume more nutrients!  Moreover, cooking, frying and grilling, especially at high heat, produce toxins and carcinogenic substances that raw eaters do not ingest.

What is so important about all this?

Studies show:

1. Improved Heart Health: The decreased consumption of detrimental fats results in a drop in cholesterol levels especially LDLs (the bad cholesterol) and a reduction in blood pressure. Both of these factors contribute to improved heart health.

2. Weight Loss: Consuming fewer calories per day can result in weight loss. Raw food eaters don’t report feeling hungry like other dieters, due to the nutrient rich foods.

3. Decreased Risk of Cancers: Consuming vegetables, especially dark green, orange and yellow, which have carotenids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Folic Acid have been shown to reduce the risk of cancers.

4. Reversing Type II Diabetes: Focusing on eating vegetables and fruit that have a low-glycemic index (lower sugars) has been shown to drop blood sugar levels.

5. And More: There are reports of improved complexion, healthier immune systems and reduction in allergic responses. Arthritis sufferers can benefit from eating raw food—research shows Vitamins C and B are helpful. Fibromyalgia syndrome sufferers cite improvements in their health and less pain.

In conclusion, people who subscribe to a raw diet cite improvements in their health and feeling more revitalized, more agile, with improved wellness.

References:

1. Donaldson, M. et al. Fibromyalgia syndrome improved using a mostly raw vegetarian diet: An observational study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001, 1:7.

2. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10687887.

3. Leitzmann C. Vegetarian Diets:  What Are the Advantages? Forum Nutr. Basel, Karger, 2005, 57:147–156.

4. Strassner C. et al. Raw Food Eaters:  Health Habits and Nutrient Intake. Poster for the 16th International Congress of Nutrition 1997.

5. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2198207?dopt=Abstract. Raw food and immunity.

6. jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/135/10/2372/. Raw food and LDL levels.

For more info, contact Linda Devers, a raw food advocate, at Linda@RawIsSimple.com or (510) 333-5252.