Natural Raw Food Diet

The natural, raw food diet is a new health trend among individuals passionate about their health. Individuals who follow the diet most often do not see it as a short-term diet, but rather as a long-term lifestyle change. While many people try the diet to heal an ailment or disease, others follow it simply to be healthier and have more energy.

Features

The raw food diet consists of uncooked fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and sprouted grains. These foods are not cooked or processed, nor do they have any added chemicals or artificial flavors. Animal products such as meat, dairy, chicken or fish are not included in the diet. Individuals who follow the diet typically try to consume a high percentage of these raw foods. But a small group of raw foodists, individuals who follow the diet, also practice proper food combining, consuming certain foods together or alone for optimum digestion.

Food Choices

While you may be imagining raw foodists only being able to eat salads, raw food cuisine is varied and can be elaborate. Raw foods can be combined to create raw pizzas, dressings, dips, burgers, crackers, pasta dishes and desserts, among other creations. Some of these recipes require a food to be dehydrated. Raw foodists claim they can dehydrate foods up to 118 degrees F without destroying nutrients or vital enzymes.

Benefits

While many individuals try a raw food diet to lose weight, others may begin it to heal a minor or significant health problem. Individuals who embrace this diet see improvements in their physical and mental health, higher energy levels, weight loss and a stronger immune system, according to the book "Living on Live Food," by Alissa Cohen.

In the documentary "Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days" individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes attended a health retreat at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, Arizona. At the center, Dr. Gabriel Cousens placed the individuals on a raw vegan diet. By the end of the 30 days, the individuals' blood sugars had returned to healthy levels; most went off insulin and all individuals reduced their insulin medication levels. Among individuals with Type II diabetes, Cousens states there is a 90 to 95 percent "cure" rate, according to the interview on NaturalNews.com.

Most raw foodists also eat primarily organic foods, because the believe that supporting organic agricultural practices helps the environment. The raw food diet also encourages a reduction in animal suffering because raw foodists are not supporting factory farms through purchases of animal products.

Criticism

Critics of the raw food diet worry individuals who follow the diet long-term will be deficient in protein and other nutrients. However, no reliable long-term studies prove or disprove this argument.

Considerations

A well-planned raw food diet is safe and promotes good health, according to "Living on Live Food." However, as with any diet plan, a poorly planned diet that lacks variety may lack essential nutrients. Raw foodists need to be especially aware of their vitamin B12 intake. Some raw foodists choose to supplement their diet with this vitamin. Children, pregnant and nursing women and individuals with anemia who choose to follow a raw food diet should consult a doctor or holistic nutritionist to ensure they are receiving the nutrients needed to be healthy from the diet.