Eating foods that have not been cooked, microwaved, processed, genetically engineered or irradiated has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is due to the belief that these processes cause the destruction of natural enzymes and a reduction in nutrient content. Alternative methods such as juicing, dehydrating, sprouting, soaking and blending are used. A raw food diet is usually plant-based.
It not only improves digestion and adds more dietary fiber that can help prevent constipation but has a host of other benefits. It helps to alkalize the body, reduce acidity and prevent fermentation in the gut. The longer foods sit in the gut, the more chance they have of fermenting and causing gas, bloating, inflammation and accumulation of toxic waste. It also improves heart health by reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. It gives more energy and can even help clear up the skin due to the lack of toxins. It is also consistently associated with having less body fat.
This way of eating is largely plant-based. The oils that can be used include all cold-pressed ones such as coconut oil and olive oil. Nuts, seeds and sprouts make an important nutritional component as do fresh fruits. Vegetables can be prepared in many other ways, besides cooking them. Sauerkraut and other fermented foods are frequently used. Sea vegetables such as seaweed add an interesting source of nutrients.
Some people still eat eggs, meat, fish and grains but they do not cook them. Others do not eat these foods at all. There are some dangers that come with eating these foods uncooked as they may be contaminated with bacteria. Some other foods avoided by people eating this way are alcohol, tea, coffee, any dairy products and juices that have been pasteurized.
A typical breakfast may consist of a green smoothie, soaked oats with berries or overnight oatmeal with nuts and fruits. Lunch may consist of a salad with avocado or figs and nuts. Dinner may come in the form of stuffed portabello mushrooms or zucchinni noodle pasta with basil and tomato sauce. It is even possible to make an uncooked pizza with a nutty buckwheat crust and a cheese made from nuts. Snacks include freshly squeezed juice, nuts, carrots and apples.
Changing to this type of lifestyle can be difficult. It is better to approach it gradually and it is also important for those who are pregnant or suffering from some disease to consult a health professional before making the change. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people feel much healthier when eating like this but there are others who do not.
Experts agree that weight loss needs to be monitored. Losing weight can be good for the health but losing too much too quickly is not advised. Evidence shows that those who lose weight slowly and steadily have more chance of keeping it off.
The challenge of eating in this way is to get enough protein, iron and vitamin B12. These nutrients are found in meat, eggs, fish and grains which are usually cooked. Dried foods and superfoods can be a very useful addition. Raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, cranberries, dates, chia seeds and Goji berries all pack nutritional punch. Uncooked treats using plenty of superfoods can be made using a food processor and a blender and then putting them in the fridge to chill.
It not only improves digestion and adds more dietary fiber that can help prevent constipation but has a host of other benefits. It helps to alkalize the body, reduce acidity and prevent fermentation in the gut. The longer foods sit in the gut, the more chance they have of fermenting and causing gas, bloating, inflammation and accumulation of toxic waste. It also improves heart health by reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. It gives more energy and can even help clear up the skin due to the lack of toxins. It is also consistently associated with having less body fat.
This way of eating is largely plant-based. The oils that can be used include all cold-pressed ones such as coconut oil and olive oil. Nuts, seeds and sprouts make an important nutritional component as do fresh fruits. Vegetables can be prepared in many other ways, besides cooking them. Sauerkraut and other fermented foods are frequently used. Sea vegetables such as seaweed add an interesting source of nutrients.
Some people still eat eggs, meat, fish and grains but they do not cook them. Others do not eat these foods at all. There are some dangers that come with eating these foods uncooked as they may be contaminated with bacteria. Some other foods avoided by people eating this way are alcohol, tea, coffee, any dairy products and juices that have been pasteurized.
A typical breakfast may consist of a green smoothie, soaked oats with berries or overnight oatmeal with nuts and fruits. Lunch may consist of a salad with avocado or figs and nuts. Dinner may come in the form of stuffed portabello mushrooms or zucchinni noodle pasta with basil and tomato sauce. It is even possible to make an uncooked pizza with a nutty buckwheat crust and a cheese made from nuts. Snacks include freshly squeezed juice, nuts, carrots and apples.
Changing to this type of lifestyle can be difficult. It is better to approach it gradually and it is also important for those who are pregnant or suffering from some disease to consult a health professional before making the change. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people feel much healthier when eating like this but there are others who do not.
Experts agree that weight loss needs to be monitored. Losing weight can be good for the health but losing too much too quickly is not advised. Evidence shows that those who lose weight slowly and steadily have more chance of keeping it off.
The challenge of eating in this way is to get enough protein, iron and vitamin B12. These nutrients are found in meat, eggs, fish and grains which are usually cooked. Dried foods and superfoods can be a very useful addition. Raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, cranberries, dates, chia seeds and Goji berries all pack nutritional punch. Uncooked treats using plenty of superfoods can be made using a food processor and a blender and then putting them in the fridge to chill.
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