Crunchy carrots, fruit-based fudge and flax seed enchiladas all make the list of acceptable foods for raw food diets. Although many people consume beans as part of nutritious diets, beans don't make the cut for the raw food diet primarily because they must be cooked before consumption. Otherwise, you're chewing on rock-hard kernels that could cause indigestion. Some types of beans are considered acceptable for the raw food diet, however.
"Raw"
Raw foods are defined as uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains, according to nutrition consultant Alissa Cohen, author of "Living on Live Food." Although more research is needed to confirm the benefits of raw food diets, proponents believe that raw foods fuel cells with vitamins, minerals and enzymes that contribute to body chemical balance and better health. Food cooked at 112 degrees F. may weaken or destroy healthful enzymes present in raw foods; others draw this line at 115 degrees F. Advocates of raw food diets believe that cooked food is harder for your body to absorb, possibly resulting in toxic buildup as foods remain in your system longer. Beans fall into this category because most are prepared in boiling water.
Raw Plan
Although raw food plans might bring to mind glasses of seaweed juice or gnawing on carrot sticks, adherents to the plan can follow recipes to create meals that pay tribute to traditional foods. Examples include a pizza made with dehydrated, uncooked sprouted grains and seeds; chocolate cake that incorporates avocado, dates and carob powder into its frosting and ravioli made with turnips and ground nuts. Options familiar to many individuals include raw fish, gazpacho soup and smoothies. Beans don't figure into raw food recipes, either whole or combined with other ingredients. Criticism of raw food diets includes suggestions that limited food choices could lead to deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, according to Amanda Drennen, writing for the University of Wisconsin Drug and Alcohol Education program. Some meal plans might be too low in healthy fats.
Acceptable Beans
Some legumes are acceptable as part of the raw food diets when consumed in their raw state. For example, you can eat raw organic lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans and mung beans because these don't require boiling before consumption, as reported by the "U.S. News and World Report." It's acceptable to eat these separate or combined with other ingredients.
Bean Considerations
The American Dietetic Association states that raw food diets are inappropriate for infants and children, according to "U.S. News and World Report." You might want to consider the generally accepted benefits of beans before eliminating them from your diet. For example, beans can provide helpful fiber and release natural sugar into the bloodstream slowly, reducing the chances of sudden energy boosts and drops, according to Bliss Plan. Beans are also good sources of B vitamins, potassium, calcium and folate.
References
- Alissa Cohen: What is Raw and Living Food?
- Alissa Cohen: Frequently Asked Questions
- Natural Weight Loss Code: Raw Food Weight Loss
- Subtle Energy Solutions: Diets Weigh In; Amanda Drennen
- Living and Raw Foods: The Living and Raw Foods F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Veg Source: Raw vs. Cooked; William Harris
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