The raw food diet is becoming popular among local restaurants as well. This clearly shows a need to switch to more healthy foods and diets to lose weight quickly. Some primary benefits of eating a raw food diet include — removing fatty foods from your diet, easy way to lose weight, and it is the best way to approach eating disorders.
What is “Raw Foodism”?
Experts define “raw foodism” as a way to promote such a kind of lifestyle where people begin to eat unprocessed, uncooked and organic foods in large amounts (source).
What Foods can be eaten During the Raw Food Diet?
The raw food diet offers to people a variety of unprocessed foods like the ones listed below:
- Raw fruits
- Uncooked vegetables
- Soaked nuts and dry fruits
- Seeds (usually whole grains)
- Eggs
- Fish
- Meat
- Raw milk, yogurt and cheese
- Beans
- Legumes
Experts are of the opinion that foods which require heating should not be heated above 116 degrees F.
Benefits of the Raw Food Diet
People who consume large amounts of raw food are known as “raw foodists”. Such people are of the opinion that greater the intake of raw foods greater the health benefits.
Some benefits of the raw food diet are listed here below:
- Easy digestion
- Effective weight loss
- Wards off chronic diseases and ailments
- Increases energy
- Gives you a sense of healthy living
Side-Effects of the Raw Food Diet
Some side-effects of the raw food diet are listed below:
- Eating other foods with enzyme-filled raw foods can make digestion difficult for some people
- Slight headaches
- Nausea
- Increases your cravings
- Deficiency (iron, calcium, etc)
Who should avoid the Raw Food Diet?
Experts are of the opinion that the raw food diet is inappropriate for:
- Kids
- Pregnant and nursing mothers
- Anemic people
- People facing osteoporosis risks
Critics are of the opinion that heating raw foods can make enzymes dormant. However, there is little to worry as the body uses its own enzymes that aid digestion. In addition, cooking makes certain phytochemicals like beta-carotene, contained in carrots, easier to absorb.
Though the raw food diet is an effective weight loss diet, not all doctors or experts recommend it, especially when you are undergoing a treatment for a disease that requires essential nutrients like iron, calcium, etc.
