health tip #9

raw foods

What are raw foods? What is the raw foods diet? Will a raw foods diet really lead to better overall health?

Here's what you need to know about raw foods, also called living foods. A raw foods diet consists of unprocessed raw vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). "Raw foodists" believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost their enzymes and thus a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body, whereas uncooked foods provide living enzymes and proper nutrition. Proponents of a raw food diet claim that there are many benefits to eating raw foods, including weight loss, more energy, clear skin, improved digestion and improved overall health. Many people clarify that they eat a "high raw" or a certain percentage of raw foods in their diet, such as "75% raw diet". A few people include raw, unprocessed dairy products in their diet, but most follow a raw vegan diet. The raw diet has seen an increase in popularity in recent years with raw food restaurants opening in several major cities.

What do raw foodists eat?
A raw food diet includes:
•all raw fruits and vegetables
•nuts and seeds
•sprouts
•roots, root vegetables and squashes
•fresh herbs and raw spices
•seaweeds

Food Matters clip about raw foods

and another discussing the healing properties of raw foods

raw foods shopping list: (just a few options)

Produce
* Avocados
* Apples
* Bananas
* Broccoli
* Celery
* Carrots
* Cabbage
* Cucumber
* Green/String Beans
* Grapefruit
* Ginger
* Green Leafy Veggies
* Seasonal fruits
* Fresh Herbs (parsley, basil, etc.)

Nuts & Seeds
* Raw Almonds/Almond Butter
* Raw Hemp Seeds
* Flax Seeds
* Pine Nuts

Grains
* Wild Rice
* Quinoa
* Buckwheat