A raw veggies diet is based on the idea of eating vegetables in their whole, natural state. In "Raw Energy," Stephanie Tourles claims that cooking or heating kills the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contained in vegetables. Many raw vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Before starting a raw veggies diet, consult with your doctor about any health concerns
Function of Phytochemicals
A raw veggies diet supplies an abundance of nutrients called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are found in fresh vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and asparagus. Phytochemicals include beta-carotene, lycopene and resveratrol. According to "Raw Food Detox Diet," phytochemicals target the release and metabolism of stored fat. Following a raw veggies diet that includes these nutrients gives a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Live Enzymes
Enzymes work together with vitamins and minerals for chemical reactions within the body. Enzymes help break down food in the digestive tract. Enzymes also play a role in weight loss. The enzyme called lipase is found abundantly in raw, live vegetables. Lipase helps the body in digestion, fat distribution and fat burning for energy. In "Raw Energy," Stephanie Tourles states that enzymes are destroyed when food is heated, cooked, pasteurized and processed.
Benefits of Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals take part in chemical reactions throughout the body. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," author Natalia Rose says vitamin C is helpful in weight loss because it is involved in the conversion of glucose to energy in the cells. Dark leafy greens are rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin A is converted from beta-carotene. Vitamin A plays a role in healthy skin, hair, tissues and vision. Sources include carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, turnips and collard greens.
Benefits of Minerals
Minerals like calcium and magnesium help maintain good health. Calcium strengthens bone, teeth and blood tissue. The raw veggie diet gets calcium from dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, lettuce, collards and cabbage. Magnesium increases calcium absorption and is involved in the synthesis of proteins. Choose magnesium-rich sources spinach, broccoli and celery.
Considerations
A raw veggie diet lacks sufficient nutrients such as protein. In "The Food Bible," the author Judith Wills says protein is essential for the growth and development of your body. It regulates bodily functions as well as maintaining and repairing muscles, organs and tissues. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a balanced diet that includes not only vegetables but also fruits, grains, dairy products, meat, fish, beans, nuts and dietary fat.
References
- "Raw Food Detox Diet : The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss"; Natalia Rose; 2006
- "Raw Energy"; Stephanie Tourles; 2009
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
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