Raw food diet: What is it, foods to eat and surprising health benefits
Everything you need to know about raw food diet
When it comes to eating healthy, raw food diet should be your go-to plan. A raw food diet consists mainly of unprocessed whole foods, plant-based, and organic foods that are a source of high nutritional value.
Besides facilitating healthy eating, consuming raw, plant-based food can not only ensure physical well-being, but also avoid serious medical illnesses.
Types of raw food diet
Broadly, there are three types of raw food diet that not only tend to people who are vegan, but also the ones who are vegetarian and omnivorous.
- Raw vegan diet: This type of diet only focuses on plant based foods and no animal products.
- Raw vegetarian diet: This diet involves plant-based foods along with raw eggs and unprocessed dairy products.
- Raw omnivorous diet: It includes a plant-based diet with raw animal products and raw dried meat.
Foods you can eat
While raw food may not seem so appealing, there are plenty of suitable options you can choose from. Here's a list of raw foods that are edible and healthy at the same time.
- Vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, broccoli, that can be eaten raw.
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Fermented food items such as pickled dishes, Kimchi.
- Seaweeds
- Raw eggs and dried meat
- Raw fish such as sushi
Foods to avoid
If you're looking to stick to a plant-based, unprocessed whole food, then you must learn to keep certain foods at bay.
- Processed foods
- Refined oils
- Coffee and alcoholic drinks
Health benefits of raw food diet
Apart from the wide range of variety a raw food diet possesses, it has many health benefits too. Below are some of the benefits of eating raw foods and avoiding processed unhealthy foods.
Raw foods are mainly unprocessed and therefore healthy
As is known, processed foods contain high unhealthy unsaturated fats, which do more harm than good. They can cause high inflammatory responses in the body and also lead to heart problems. They are either high in added sugar or have high salt content, excess of which can cause severe health issues. That said, a raw food diet is unprocessed and healthy, which makes it beneficial for the body.
High in healthy nutrients
Given a raw food diet involving whole, unprocessed food, it is rich in essential nutrients such as plenty of vitamins, minerals, and healthful fats, and protein. Raw food diets are packed with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, which are all a part of a healthy diet.
Helps in weight loss
Eating uncooked, raw food works wonders for your health, especially when you're looking to lose some weight. While a plant based food is free of unhealthy fats and is rich in vital nutrients, it makes it much easier to cut down on body fat.