Cleansing Raw Vegan Diet

Although raw foods predate humankind, the return to raw began to pick up steam in the 1980s in the United States. The movement is based on several foundational beliefs indicating the superior health and internal cleansing properties of raw produce, nuts and seeds over cooked foods. Raw foodists encourage consuming a diet that is--if not exclusively raw--then at least 75 to 80 percent raw for optimal cleansing benefits.

Foundational Beliefs

Fundamental to the raw vegan movement is the belief that heating foods above 115 degrees Fahrenheit destroys valuable enzymes, antioxidants and good bacteria, essential to keeping the body running optimally. Raw foodists argue that cooked foods contain dangerous toxins produced during the cooking process, and that these toxins clog the body. Raw foods on the other hand purportedly offer higher nutrient content and possess the nutrients necessary for internal cleansing.

Cleansing Benefits

According to Ani Phyo, raw vegan chef and author, "When we're younger, we're taught how to clean our rooms, but we're never taught how to clean our bodies." The high antioxidant levels found in raw fruits, vegetables and chocolate work as an internal cleanser taking care of oxidative damage throughout the body. People eating a high raw diet will, according to Phyo, "feel stronger, healthier and more vibrant on the inside. Radiant health, clear skin, shiny hair, and a powerful, lean and beautiful body is what shows up on the outside."

Raw, Vegan Foods

Although initially a raw vegan diet may seem limiting, nature provides an endless array of raw foods to choose from. Raw chefs such as Phyo encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and certain expeller-pressed oils. The raw vegan diet also allows for herbs, spices, even raw chocolate and sweeteners such as raw honey or agave. These foods may be prepared in numerous ways. For internal cleansing benefits, create a raw smoothie with fruits such as oranges, limes and lemon combined with fresh spinach and parsley. Blend with water and a scant amount of sweetener for a morning smoothie rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Raw "Cooking"

Eating a raw vegan diet is as easy as picking an apple. However, eating handfuls of nuts with a side of bell pepper can get boring quickly. Enter the gourmet raw food movement. The past decade has seen numerous raw chefs, "cookbooks" and restaurants popping up all over the country, particularly in large, urban areas. These raw vegan chefs combine both the cleansing benefits of raw foods with a passion for culinary creativity. Menu items at the New York City restaurant Pure Food and Wine include such esoteric raw options as Salad of Mache, Summer Berries, and Fennel with Truffle Framboise Vinaigrette and King Oyster Mushroom Scallops with Hijiki Seaweed.

Precautions

The nutritional value of some foods, such as tomatoes and peanuts, actually increases with cooking. Additionally, limiting yourself only to raw foods may result in nutrient deficiencies. For example, the macronutrient content of many raw recipes is heavy on fat--primarily from nuts and olive or coconut oil-- and light on protein.