Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food Diet, as its name implies, is based on consuming unprocessed, preferably organic, whole plant-based foods, at least 75 percent of which should be uncooked, although there are strict versions which insist on no cooking at all and a 100 percent vegetarian dietary regimen. The Raw Food Diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, sprouts, grains, legumes, dried fruits, seaweeds, sun-dried fruits, freshly made fruit and vegetable juice, as well as other organic or natural foods which have not been processed.

There are many scientifically proven aspects of raw fruits and vegetables that help in weight loss. It is a fact that raw fruits and vegetables are extremely low in calories and fat yet extremely high in energy boosting enzymes. Enzymes are critical in improving the metabolism of the body- assisting in digestion, absorption and conversion of food into body tissue. Without enough enzymes more food would get converted into fat.

It is believed that there are numerous benefits of The Raw Food Diet, besides possible weight loss including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Other benefits include increased energy, improved digestion and an improved immune system.

You should not mix cooked food with raw food while on this diet. The cooked food causes the stomach to produce acid which doesn't mix well with the raw foods and can create indigestion. Another problem that sometimes arises involves pesticides. Raw foods tend to have a fair amount of pesticides on them. In order to counter this, it is recommended to eat organic raw foods.

The Raw Food Diet encourages you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a definite nutritional plus. But there are real food safety risks. The diet calls for eating a variety of sprouts, many of which grow in environments that can promote harmful bacterial growth. And cooking foods below 160 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to food-borne illness.