Raw Food Diet

Definition

A Raw Food Diet consists of eating primarily unprocessed and uncooked foods, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to promote overall health.

Scientific / Technical Definition

The Raw Food Diet is predicated on the principle that cooking foods at high temperatures disrupts their nutritional structure and enzyme levels, potentially diminishing their health benefits. It advocates for the consumption of foods in their natural, unprocessed forms to maximize nutrient intake and digestive efficiency.

Benefits

• May improve digestion due to high fiber content.
• Potentially promotes weight loss by focusing on low-calorie foods.
• High intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• May improve heart health due to reduced intake of processed foods.

Examples

• Fresh fruits like apples and bananas.
• Raw vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
• Nuts and seeds including almonds and sunflower seeds.
• Cold-pressed oils like olive and flaxseed oil.

Additional Information

• Known issues: A Raw Food Diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, and may be inappropriate for certain populations such as pregnant women and children.

Related Terms

• Vegan Diet
• Whole Foods Diet
• Plant-Based Diet
• Juicing

References

• Raw Food Diet: A Beginner's Guide and Review
• The Raw Food Diet: A Comprehensive Review