A raw food diet is a great detox diet that has become more popular as we see the need for increased protection against toxins in the environment and our bodies. After many years of eating, our bodies build up with residue, poisons and toxins from foods that have not been completely eliminated from our systems.
It takes around eight hours to digest an average meal of starch and animal flesh. During those eight hours, the body uses its energy to help in the elimination of this food. Meanwhile, it should be working on other areas, like supplying energy for the other organs, helping to detox and flush out other toxins in the body or improving blood flow. Even if we eat entirely organic, whole foods, we still come in contact with pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals that are in the water and soil.
The raw food diet consists of eating 100% raw, uncooked and unprocessed foods. Many people find this a little difficult, so 75% or more of their diet is eating raw foods. Most raw foodists are vegetarians and vegans. The raw foodists diet consists mostly of fruit and vegetables, sea vegetables, nuts and seeds and their butters, and sprouts and grains. Our bodies can better utilize the complete nutritional value of raw food and absorb it better.
The philosophy behind eating a raw food diet is that any food that is cooked or processed is changed from its natural state. Once it is cooked above 118 F, new chemicals are created and its natural enzymes are destroyed. These enzymes help in the break down and digestion of food. Eating cooked and processed foods results in a sluggish metabolism that impedes some primary functions of the body, especially the flushing and detox functions of the organs.
There are numerous benefits from eating a raw food diet. The first thing raw foodists will tell you is that they have more energy; this seems to be across the board. A raw food detox diet boosts the immune system, decreases weight, or increases weight if you are too skinny, and detoxifies the body.
Don't think because it's raw it won't taste good. There are incredible recipes out there: sushi stuffed with shitake mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, pad thai, or even walnut burgers.
