Those on an organic raw food diet do not eat any processed foods, or any food cooked over 116 degrees Fahrenheit, Medical News Today states. Raw food dieters also eat only organic food, which is produced differently than conventionally grown and raised fruits, vegetables, and meats. A person who follows a raw organic food diet might also be vegan or vegetarian, however, some people do eat raw meat and raw dairy products.
Raw Food Diet
According to the raw food diet guidelines, a minimum 75 percent of food eaten should come from organic, whole plant-based foods and be abundant in beans, fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, dried fruits, nuts, coconut milk, legumes and fruit and vegetable juices. Organic food is grown without using commercial weedkillers, insecticides or chemical fertilizers, MayoClinic.com states. Organic livestock and poultry is not injected with antibiotics, growth hormones or medications.
Benefits
A person who follows the organic raw food diet believes the the diet helps him achieve long-lasting weight loss, Medical News Today states. Benefits of the raw food diet also include strengthening your immune system to help keep you healthy, and helps you fight off chronic diseases. Essential enzymes found in food, which are called the life force of food, are destroyed when heated above 116 degrees F. Eating uncooked food may also be better for your digestive system because cooked foods clog the intestines with fats, proteins and carbohydrates. There are also benefits to eating organic foods. In a study published in the April 2010 volume of "Alternative Medicine Review," organic produce provides larger amounts vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, antioxidants than produce that is not organic. Organic produce also contains fewer amounts of nitrates and pesticide residues.
Disadvantages
Processed foods are cheap, easy to pack and require little preparations. Because you are eating higher quality food on a organic raw food diet that requires more preparation, one disadvantage of the raw food diet is that it can be expensive and time consuming. Food labeled organic is more expensive than non-organic food. A raw diet requires much preparation, and you may opt to dehydrate or juice most of your food. Another drawback to the diet may be that you have a hard time sticking with it, especially if you go out to eat or you are in other situations where raw food is not served; however, there are over 100 raw food restaurants in the United States. One of the more serious concerns with the diet is that you might have a hard time getting the recommended amount of essential vitamins and minerals through your raw food diet. In a study published in the October 2005 edition of the "Journal of Nutrition," 38 percent of people who followed a raw diet were deficient in vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is needed for red blood cells to form and for neurological function. It is commonly found in fish, dairy products and meat. It is also important to note that some foods eaten raw, including raw kidney beans, raw meat, raw buckwheat leaves and raw milk, can be hazardous to your health.
Considerations
If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor about following a raw diet. A raw diet may not provide you with enough calories for you and your baby. Also, if you are pregnant you doctor may advise you to not eat certain raw foods. If you have a child that is following the raw food diet, it is important to ensure that he is getting all the nutrients and protein necessary for proper growth. If you have questions about anything related to a raw food diet, a dietitian or raw food coach may be consulted to properly instruct you on how to follow the diet.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin B12
- Medical News Today: What Is The Raw Food Diet? What Are The Benefits Of The Raw Food Diet?
- Pubmed: Journal of Nutrition: Long-term consumption of a raw food diet is associated with favorable serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides but also with elevated plasma homocysteine and low serum HDL cholesterol in humans.
- Living and Raw Foods: FAQ
- MayoClinic.com: Organic Food? Are They Safer? More Nutritious?
- Pubmed: Alternative Medicine Review: Organic foods contain higher levels of certain nutrients, lower levels of pesticides, and may provide health benefits for the consumer.
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