The average American is consuming more processed and packaged foods than ever before. In "Raw Energy," author Stephanie Tourles says processed foods are nutrient and enzyme-deficient, chemically preserved and artificially enriched foods. WIth the consumption of processed foods, Americans are suffering from heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and high blood pressure. A non-processed food diet will provide you with wholesome, fresh food. Food in this diet will be raw, minimally processed and nutrient-rich.
Low in Sodium
Sodium is often recognized as table salt in the American diet. Many processed foods have added salts, including dressings, condiments, canned vegetables and soups, pretzels and chips. The problem with a high intake of sodium is that it is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. An excess of sodium is also linked to fluid retention and kidney stones, according to "The Food Bible," by Judith Wills. In a non-processed food diet, you want to get a lower amount of sodium naturally from foods. These include meat, fish, vegetables and fruit.
High in Fiber
Non-processed foods are the best sources of dietary fiber. Most plant foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is important for avoiding constipation. Taken with enough fluids, a high-fiber diet speeds the passage of stool through your bowel. It is also helpful in curbing hunger because it helps you to feel full. Sources of insoluble fiber are wheat, corn, rice, vegetables and legumes. Soluble fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber is found in citrus fruits, apples, oats, barley and rye.
Natural Sugars
Processed foods are made of high-fructose corn syrup which is a man-made sweetener. High-fructose corn syrup is cheaper to make and sweeter than sugar, which is why food manufacturers use it in their products. Processed foods such as cereal, ketchup, soda, pasta sauces and cookies all contain high-fructose corn syrup. The unnatural sugar spikes insulin levels to increase the appetite and causes weight gain, according to "Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal." The non-processed food diet emphasizes natural sugars in fruits and some vegetables. Good sources of natural sugars that do not spike blood sugar levels include berries, cantaloupe, watermelon, oranges, sweet potatoes and squash.
Live Enzymes
Live enzymes are protein molecules that play a role in digesting food, building protein in the bones and skin and aiding in detoxification. Processed and chemically altered foods are nutrient and enzyme-deficient. In a non-processed diet you will want to eat enzyme-rich plant foods in their raw,unheated form. Consume avocados, bananas, cranberries, dates, figs, grapes, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon, mangoes and unfiltered raw honey.
Healthy Fats
Trans fats are listed on food labels of processed and packaged foods. Trans fats are linked to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and weight gain. Avoid trans fats by limiting the use of margarine, fried foods, baked goods and any food with partially hydrogenated oil on its list of ingredients. A non-processed food diet emphasizes getting your intake of fat from monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Nut and seeds, olive oil, fish and avocados can be part of a non-processed food diet.
References
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association; 1997
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
- "Raw Energy"; Stephanie Tourles; 2009
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