Before prehistoric humans harnessed fire and learned to cook their foods, their diets consisted solely of foods in their raw state. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition," to qualify as a raw diet, at least 75 percent of all the food you eat must be in its original state. A raw food diet may offer some health benefits, but talk to your doctor before making any major diet changes.
History
In the late 1800s, Herbert Shelton, naturopath and clinic owner, proposed eating only raw foods for optimal health. In the early 1980s, Ann Wigmore, raw food advocate and author of numerous books on healthy eating, including, ""The Hippocrates Diet and Health Program," reinforced the idea that eating a raw diet could cure chronic disease. Since then, the popularity of eating a raw diet comes and goes.
Potential Benefits
The idea that cooking kills food enzymes and nutrients is the underlying reason for eating a raw food diet in the treatment of cancer and disease, according to BreastCancer.org. However, despite a loyal following, there is no clinical evidence that supports the claim that a raw diet cures cancer or other medical conditions.
The "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition" lists additional potential benefits, including weight loss, more energy, mental clarity and clear skin, but evidence of these benefits is only anecdotal and is not supported by science.
Nutritional Drawbacks
Although some dieters consume raw meat and dairy, others do not, according to BreastCancer.org, and these dieters may suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Eating a raw food diet may not provide sufficient protein, calcium, iron and other minerals, if the dieter does not eat meat.
Foods
Foods qualify as raw if they do not reach or exceed 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The typical raw food diet is high in fiber and includes fresh or air-dried vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, peas, seaweed, wheatgrass and other grasses. Seed sprouts are popular on raw food diets, as well.
Preparation
In addition to washing and eating foods in their natural state, a raw foodist may extract the juice from seemingly hard vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes, with a high-powered juicer. Dehydrating, without benefit of heat, is also permissible for fruit and vegetable slices.
Risks
Not all foods are safe when eaten raw, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia." Rhubarb leaves and buckwheat leaves are toxic when raw, as are kidney bean sprouts. Raw potatoes that have greenish skins are not safe to eat, and raw meat and seafood may contain parasites and bacteria that only cooking will destroy.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- BreastCancer: Raw Food Diet
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