If you haven’t heard, raw food diets are quite popular. If you are looking for an introduction to raw foodism and its benefits, then you are in the right place. A raw food diet is chiefly comprised of uncooked and unprocessed foods, including nuts, sprouts, beans, fresh juice, grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dried fruits.
Why is it important to keep these foods uncooked. According to raw foodist’s beliefs, heating destroys essential enzymes in our food. It is believed that these enzymes aid in the absorption and digestion of food, and bring about overall health improvements. Most raw food diets are not comprised of 100% uncooked, raw, living and unprocessed plant foods. A normal raw food diet contains 75% raw foods, with the idea that the higher the percentage, the higher the health benefits.
Raw food for weight loss may be very effective for some people. Most raw food tends to contain fewer calories and more fiber than many types of cooked food. People who follow strict raw food diets may be thinner on average than those who do not, but this could be because they are simply eating less food overall. The same results are likely possible when eating cooked food if reduced amounts are consumed.
Every year, more and more number of people are diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, obesity, etc. Dietitians and doctors advise people to follow healthy lifestyle and develop healthy eating habits. Raw food diet, also known as organic diet, was originally meant for better health. It was noticed that along with improving overall health, raw food diet also promotes weight loss. Therefore the concept of raw food diet for weight loss is gaining popularity in all parts of the world.
Benefits of the Raw Food Diet:
As a longtime student of arguments for raw foodism (and longtime vegetarian and vegan), Pavlina offers compelling reasons why humans might benefit greatly from the raw food diet. Some of these include:
- Raw foodists consume large quantities of sweet fruit, which is the easiest form of food for the body to digest. In short, fruit contains simple sugars which are far easier for the body to process than foods high in protein, fat, or complex carbs.
- Staples of the raw food diet sweet fruit, vegetables, and nuts are high in vitamins. Fruit generally does not contain many minerals, but vegetables do.
- The animals most closely related to humans i.e., the great apes prefer to get the vast majority of their calories from fruit (see 30 Days Raw).
- If one is careful to consume enough calories and the proper variety of foods, the raw food diet may confer exceptional mental clarity and physical vitality (as is advocated by other raw foodists such as Angela Stokes).
- The raw food diet is a powerful tool for slenderizing (even, in some cases, curing obesity).
Raw Food Diet for Weight Loss:
Those who follow raw food diet for health can enjoy other benefits of the diet, for example, weight loss and detoxification of body. Raw food diet works as a detox diet and helps remove toxins from the body. When too much of waste material is accumulated in your body, you suffer from various digestive system problems such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
This increases pressure on kidneys. Accumulated toxins may make your liver sluggish and inefficient because liver plays an important role in elimination of toxins. When liver and kidneys are forced to work hard, you suffer from kidney problems and liver problems, the cycle thus continues, getting rid of toxins from the body is therefore very essential.
If you want to opt for a raw food detox diet, you should prepare your body gradually for the change. You should not instantly opt for intense detoxification by including 100% raw vegan food in your diet. For the sake of convenience, and to avoid negative effects on the body, you may include some amount of cooked food in your detox diet menu. Thus, you will be emotionally satisfied and you will not think of leaving the diet immediately.
Raw food diet for weight loss helps you stay away from harmful additives, preservatives, colorings, salt and sugar. Since animal products are not included in raw food diet, you help save animals and the ecosystem! Raw food diet ensures physical, mental and emotional health. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help prevent diseases, including cancer. They strengthen your immune system and boost your energy. Detoxification heals the body, refreshes the mind and uplifts your spirit. Whether you follow raw food diet for fitness or for weight loss, it will help you discover a rejuvenated.