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5 Reasons to Eat More Raw Foods
By Eliza Bicknell of Lotus Petal Yoga
Raw food can be defined as food that has not been cooked in any way, heated above 116 degrees F, or fragmented. Eating a diet of mostly raw foods, those foods that are unprocessed and uncooked such as a broad array of organic, raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, seaweed, grains and legumes has numerous benefits and is becoming a more common way to eat. While most raw foods are vegan in nature, some people also include raw fish and meats into the raw food diet. It is believed that heating food destroys enzymes that assist in the digestion and absorption of food and is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and ‘life force’ of the food. Cooking food also produces mutated enzymes that are toxins and cause our immune system to work much harder and become weaker, making us easier prey for disease and cancer. During the cooking process, vitamins are destroyed, proteins are structurally spoilt, and minerals are converted from their organic and absorbable state to a state whereby they are not easily assimilated by the body. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B and C, also get leached out of foods. Here are just a few reasons to eat more raw: 1. Eat all you want and chew chew chew
Cooked vegetable sand fruits are usually peeled and easy to chew. But in the process of peeling and heating, fruits and vegetables are rid of their vitamins, minerals and fiber. Eating fruits and vegetables with their skin on and in raw form means more chewing. Chewing has the advantage of mixing the digestive juices in your mouth (saliva) with the food. This lubricates the food and allows for less stress on the esophagus and a reduction of strain on the stomach. By thoroughly chewing your food, you are more likely to not eat as much. By eating slower, your brain can tell you that you are full sooner causing you to eat less. However, because you are eating mostly fruits and vegetables, go ahead and eat as much as you want, whenever you want and you will still maintain a healthy weight. No other kind of diet can claim that!
2. Cellulose (fiber) and enzymes are preserved
Cellulose, the structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants is an insoluble fiber that speeds up the elimination of waste, absorbs toxins, softens the stool and improves bowel disorders. We all know we need lots of fiber in our diet in order to maintain a healthy weight, bowl disorders, forms of cancer and other harmful diseases. Eating a raw diet preserves naturally occurring fibers from plant foods. When exposed to high temperatures during cooking, cellulose and other plant fibers are destroyed. As briefly mentioned earlier, one important substance that is destroyed by any form of heating are enzymes. Enzymes function as catalysis during chemical reactions that take place during digestion. Enzymes cease to function at temperatures above 55 degrees C. After that, no food can be absorbed by the body. The body does produce enzymes, but the best source is fresh food which is rich in many different kinds of natural enzymes. 3. Better health and weight loss
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consumption of a raw food diet lowered plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Raw foods contain fewer trans and saturated fats than the typical western diet and consuming less trans and saturated fats decreases the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and obesity. Raw foods are also low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals. These properties also help prevent cancer, heart disease and obesity.
Alkaline foods have been shown to balance the acidic pH of the body. The once mostly balanced pH of the body has become more acidic over time due to consumption of processed refined white carbohydrates, sugars, coffee and meat. These acid forming foods all contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They also create an inflammation response in the body causing premature aging. Raw foods are mostly alkaline, thus helping to stabilize the pH of the body for overall better functioning, decrease rick of many diseases and weight loss. All vegetables and herbs are alkalizing and fruits are neutral. Nuts, seeds and sprouts are also alkaline. Dr. Lenka J. Zajic author of “An Investigation of Over 500 People Who Have Eaten a Raw Food Diet for Over 2 Years” lists hundreds of medical conditions ranging from sleep issues to diabetes to arthritis, improved vision, better circulation, and mental clarity all improved by a raw food diet.
4. Better skin and a younger appearance
Healthy vibrant skin is yours for the taking with a diet of fresh raw foods. The reason is simple, raw foods translate to overall better health and this improves the condition of the skin. Since raw foods contain large amounts of antioxidants these protect the skin against free radical damage. In addition, they offer great protection against sunburn. Those who have made the transition to more raw foods have experienced markedly improved complexion and often comment that their skin looks radiant. Raw foods contain a lot more moisture than cooked foods, as the cooking process removes so much essential moisture. Moisture is essential to healthy skin. 5. Energize and feel great
One of the most profound effects of switching to a raw food diet is the energy and mental clarity it gives. People who have gone raw or mostly raw report clearer thinking, a calmer feeling mind, a complete lack of ‘mind fog’ and an overall feeling of joy and euphoria. Many report this state of euphoria is the most incredible high you could possibly imagine. Feelings of anger and frustration diminish and feeling of confidence and well being take over.
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Contributor's Note
I am currently working my way to a more raw food diet. The most appealing aspect for me is increased levels of energy and the younger looking skin!
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Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables To Buy Organic
| Choosing Which Fish To Buy
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Superfruits Facts
Exposes the real superfruits from the hype
www.squidoo.com/superfruits-facts
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This is great advise and something I should do more of. I wrote a Qondio about why you should feed your dog raw foods.
http://www.qondio.com/dog-food-do-you-think-about-what-you-feed-your-dog
Excellent intel, I hope most readers pick up on the use of the word "Organic". They taste better, and are a healthy alternative to chemical produce.
Congratulations on another awesome front-page article, about a difficult, esoteric topic that most people wouldn't be interested in.
 |  | nick Apr 11, 2010 12:01 | |
A well researched and well written intel, Eliza. A 5 all the way and great external links.
Best wishes.
Frederick
Very nice, Eliza. I'm with Frederick on this. It's a "fiver". But ya know... There's nothing like a great steak, with perhaps scalloped taters and a nice salad...
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