Is Eating Raw Vegetables For A Week Safe?

Eating raw vegetables for a week is, according to the American Dietetic Association, safe and healthy as long as you take certain steps to prevent food borne illness. Extending a raw vegetable diet for longer than a week and into a lifestyle choice may lead to some nutrient deficiencies in the areas of calcium, iron, B12, protein and calories.

Components

A raw vegetable diet typically consists of whole foods which are unprocessed and organic when possible. If considering extending a raw vegetable diet for longer periods, it is advisable to include fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit and vegetables, seaweeds, coconut milk, water and fresh juices make up the bulk of a complete raw food diet and according to raw food author Judita Wignall, at least 75 percent of a raw food diet should not be heated above 116 degrees Fahrenheit to retain the minerals and nutrients of fresh foods.

Techniques

Those who embark on a raw vegetable diet for a week or longer will enjoy the helpful additions of a food dehydrator and a juicer, a food processor, a blender and containers to sprout seeds in. Making foods less monotonous and more digestible may include growing vegetable sprouts to increase protein, juicing vegetables, blending raw vegetables and sprouts together, dehydrating and soaking dried vegetables.

Considerations

Because a completely raw vegetable diet is typically low in calories, it may be very difficult for raw vegetable diet enthusiasts to consume enough calories to sustain proper metabolic health. In addition, because many nutrients may not be consumed in adequate amounts, special attention must be paid to prevent deficiency. When first embarking on a completely raw vegetable diet, detox symptoms may be noticed such as headache, fatigue, body odor, dizziness and forgetfulness. You should discuss all diet changes with your doctor to ensure a healthful transition.

Food Borne Illness

Take special care when cooking raw vegetables at low temperatures as these temperatures are not high enough to kill most food borne pathogens. Carefully washing all produce and keeping a clean kitchen workspace will greatly reduce contamination but will not eliminate the possibility of illness. If you suspect you may have contracted food poisoning from a raw food, consult with your doctor immediately.

Exceptions

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and small children should not participate in exclusively raw diets of any kind without approval from their doctor. Raw vegetable diets do not typically contain all the nutrients needed for the growth needs of pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.