The modern Western diet is deficient in nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals that our body needs in order to be healthy. The average person consumes more trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and toxins from overly processed and packaged foods. Unhealthy eating is the number one cause of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other health complications. Natalia Rose, author of "The Raw Food Detox Diet," believes that by choosing raw, uncooked foods you will detox the body of the toxins and accumulated unhealthy material in your body.
Probiotics
Your colon needs healthy bacteria, or probiotics, to help move waste out of your body efficiently. Probiotics protect against bad bacteria that gathers in your lower bowel. The accumulation of bad bacteria is the cause for irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, gas and constipation. In "Raw Food Life Force Energy" by Natalia Rose, the author states that a healthy intestine should have a balance of 85 percent good bacteria to 15 percent bad bacteria. However, the average person has the reverse of that. Fermented vegetables such as kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut all contain good bacteria. You may also choose dairy products that contain probiotics, such as kefir, raw goat yogurt and raw goat milk.
Enzymes
Enzymes are protein molecules that help the body in digesting food, building protein in the bones and skin, and, most importantly, aiding detoxification. Once you cook and process food, enzymes are destroyed and they can no longer carry out their specific function. Foods in their natural state strengthen your digestive system and detoxify your body of all waste products. Enzyme-rich plant foods to eat are avocados, bananas, cranberries, grapes, lemons, mangoes, pineapples and papayas. Other sources include extra-virgin olive oil and unfiltered raw honey.
Greens
Dark green leafy vegetables are a source of chlorophyll, which stimulates red blood cell production. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain many nutrients such as vitamin K and iron, which are needed for detoxifying and building healthy blood. Dark green leafy vegetables to include in your detox diet are parsley, spinach, watercress, collard greens and kale.
References
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss"; Natalia Rose; 2005
- "Raw Energy"; Stephanie Tourles; 2009
- "Raw Food Life Force Energy"; Natalia Rose; 2007
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