Raw Food Diet - Healthy or Not?
by Deborah Wilson
Raw foodism is a way of eating
that has grown in popularity in recent years. Celebrities such as Woody
Harrelson, Carol Alt, and Alicia Silverstone have gone raw. So what's
the story? Raw foodists believe that cooking anything over 120 degrees
destroys essential food enzymes needed for proper digestion.
So is it myth or fact that raw food is better for you? As with so many
things, the jury is still out. Whenever you make drastic changes to your
diet, it's important make sure you're receiving all the nutrients you
need. Those who incorporate more raw food in their diets such as fresh
fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, and raw nuts often see a huge
improvement in overall health and well-being. It may not be necessary to
be so extreme as to eat everything raw in order to reap the benefits.
If you decide to "go raw," how far you decide to take your raw
diet is up to you. Many people choose to eat their morning and afternoon
meals raw and then eat a cooked dinner. Forget the fads and do what
feels right to you. Adding more raw fruits and vegetables to you diet
never hurt anyone.
As for the health benefits, proponents of the raw diet claim it can
lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improve eyesight, heal skin
problems such as eczema and psoriasis, and even aid in reversing chronic
disease and cancer. While there is no research to back this up, more and
more doctors and scientists are becoming interested in what raw food can
do.
There are several great online raw food resources:
Shazzie has been raw for several
years. Her site features a blog, raw products, and several great before
and after pics.
Health Diaries features blogs
on the raw food
diet. New raw foodists can read others' diaries or start their own
and track their progress.
David Wolfe, the owner of Rawfood.com,
is a well-known raw foodist. On his site, you can purchase raw food
products, books, and just about everything else related to raw food.
Through these sites you'll discover many more raw resources. There's a
great online community just waiting for those who are looking to improve
their health through the raw food diet.
About the Author
Deborah Wilson is a freelance
writer specializing in health and wellness topics.
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