Remember schooling? We use do the chemical experiments during the science lessons and get to jot down the observations. Cooking food is always like these experiments and while cooking, due to heat, food creates new substances. We need to know the reactions – from proteins reacting with carbohydrates. This eventually turns to Dead Food and we consume just the cooked delicacy with no nutrients.
However, everything is fine while eating in balance. The newest trend in eating is a raw food diet only – unprocessed food eaten raw or uncooked. The cooked food tends to throw the toxins back whereas raw food doesn’t produce these reactions as it contains functional ‘live enzymes.’ When raw food is chewed, the enzymes present aid in its digestion. It is observed that essential nutrients are destroyed on cooking and hence food must be consumed in their original form. Researches claim 75% raw food consumed will enhance overall well being. Raw Food diets are based on the idea that enzymes are essential for health and digestion, and that heating food above 104-
Simple reason for Raw Food Nutrition is that they offer stamina, strength and longevity. Call it anti-ageing as its high in antioxides. It knocks off the extra bulkiness and checks on the weighty issues. However, eating raw food has been found to have low body mass index and these raw food diet people are lean. This can cause bone health hazard like the osteoporosis as these diets are low in calcium. To balance this, fruits can be added to diet that contain calcium.
Each individual has its own metabolism. Calcium, iron, protein and the calories need to be right balance with smaller amounts of cooked food too. Instant switching over to raw food for maximum benefits should be avoided as it is learnt that stomach infections are caused by raw food sometimes as they might not be washed well before consumption.
So, what should I suggest what Raw Food should one take? Cabbage is the King for sure but than, you can have the vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, beet, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onions, garlic, radishes, spinach, tomato, etc. For the fruits, go in for apples, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, papaya, grapes, cherries, mangoes. And of coz, have the sprouts – seeds, grains, legumes, nuts.
To sum up : Raw food has the Health Benefits:
1. Provide abundance of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants
2. Have higher nutrient values than cooked food
3. Contain enzymes and this aid digestion
4. Contains bacteria and other micro organisms that help immune system
5. Lower risk of diabetes, cancer, heart diseases.
Children and pregnant women need calcium and even the old people who suffer from osteoporosis and anemia – For them, Raw Food comes in smaller portions with a balance of cooked food.
In short, raw lifestyle promotes the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet. This may include fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and legumes.
Try my recipe of Pumpkin for a change if you are on a Raw Diet. Here it goes:
Pumpkin Salad:
Ingredients: Take in equal proportions.
Grate the Pumpkin piece
Add sprouted moong
Add grated apple
Add carrots
Add tomatoes
Add little milk with little cream
Add a pinch of salt and pepper
Mix all together and place in fridge
Serve chilled.
Recently, I prepared this along with cooked food of traditional gujarati palate consisting of dal, rice, vegetables and chapati.
Sound tempting, isn’t it? Enjoy!
(All Posts by ilaxi patel: This Health & Fitness Blog is based on personal thoughts and research work. Readers may please Consult your Doctor for your Health Problems)
