Raw Food F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
Raw Foods discussed in this web site includes all plant based (vegetarian/vegan) foods.
What are Living and Raw Foods?
Raw and Living Foods are foods that contain enzymes. In general, the act of heating food over 116 degrees F destroys enzymes in food. All cooked food is devoid of enzymes. Raw foods also have higher nutrient values than the foods that have been cooked.
Why are Enzymes Important?
Enzymes assist in the digestion and absorption of food. They allow your body to get maximum utilization of the food.
Doesn't the acidic ph of the stomach destroy enzymes?
Stomach acid merely deactivates food enzymes. The enzymes are then reactivated in the more alkaline small intestine. Many people who eat all raw foods, sense a world of healthful difference in their energy and digestion. When we stopped eating cooked protein foods which require large secretions of stomach acid our stomach doesn't need to produce much acid. Many people who eat raw foods eat a low protein diet and are free from the stomach acid secretions and have much more energy and a lighter disposition.
Is eating raw food a fad?
Not at all! Eating raw is probably the oldest form of eating on the planet. Without implements to kill and cook animals in early human history, eating raw was the only way to eat. A raw, plant based diet is the main food staple throughout most of the history of humanity! We ate fruits, leaves, nuts and berries --- all raw and all natural.
What is a Raw Foodist?
A person who eats 75% or more living/raw food. The more, the better. Optimally one should eat as 100% raw and living foods if it feels right for them.
How long do people stay on this diet?
For purists, going raw is a lifestyle choice, not a temporary fad. They usually get hooked on the way the diet makes them feel – energized and glowing with good health – and stay with it.
What do raw foodists drink?
Water (purified water), Freshly made juices, coconut milk (from a young coconut), are some of the liquids raw foodists drink. Most all drinks purchased at the store have been processed (Including: soda, bottled juices, coffee, alcohol, and most others) and are not included in a raw diet.
Where does raw foodist get their protein?
The World Health Organization says humans need about 5% of their daily calories to come from protein to be healthy. The USDA puts this figure at 6.5%. On average, fruits have about 5% of their calories from protein. Vegetables and nuts have from 10-25% of their calories from protein. Sprouted seeds, beans, and grains contain from 20-50% of their calories from protein. Numerous scientific studies have shown the daily need for protein to be about 25-35 grams per day. So if you ate 2,000 calories per day, and ate raw plant foods that had an average of 10% of their calories from protein, you would get 200 calories worth of protein, or 50 grams. This is more than adequate to support optimal well-being.
What are the benefits of raw food?
Glowing and clear skin, weight loss, increased vitality and longevity. Raw foodists also say they don’t get sick as often with ordinary illness likes colds and don’t need as much sleep. Their energy levels are higher and don’t feel sluggish after meals.
Any drawbacks of raw food?
Without adequate planning and shopping, eating a variety of raw foods can be difficult in a convenience-oriented society. Be prepared to learn a new form of food preparation. Many recipes involve odd kitchen gadgets like dehydrators and long ingredient lists to mimic cooked foods such as cheese or bread. Such recipes often involve a lot of prep time.
Why don't I have to count calories or fat grams with raw diet?
There is a huge difference between cooked fats and raw fats.The studies that have been done linking fats to high cancer rates, heart attacks, kidney failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, angina, cardiovascular disease and all of the other diseases that clog up the blood and the arteries have been done with cooked fats. Obesity is linked to a high cooked fat diet.
Raw plant fats on the other hand, have exactly the opposite effect. Raw fats such as avocados, olives, coconuts, nuts and seeds are imperative in a healthy diet. These fats contain antioxidants. They contain oils that help the joints, nerves and bones. These raw plant fats do not cause the body to gain excess weight because they still contain the enzyme lipase; this is the enzyme that is needed to digest fat. Cooking fats destroy lipase; along with other important enzymes and minerals. Because raw food is getting assimilated and digested properly, it is not clogging up the blood and arteries. It is not getting stored as excess weight in the body. You will not get fat by eating avocados, sprouted nuts and seeds and other plant fats. When starting this diet, many people eat 2-3 avocados a day and lose weight.
Is there just one type of raw foodist?
There are many subcategories of raw foodists. Some include:
Fruitarian - People who consume mostly fruits.
Sproutarian - People who consume mostly sprouts.
Juicearian - People who consume mostly fresh juice.
Is it important to choose organic foods?
When eating raw, its important to select organically grown produce. Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are grown using pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals that can be harmful to your body. Organic foods are grown naturally, and generally taste better.
Can I remove pesticides from my raw foods?
Yes, for the most part, with a mixture of 3 tablespoons salt + 3 tablespoons lemon juice in one quart of water. Soak strawberries 30 minutes, raspberries and blueberries 10 minutes, other fruit according to the strength of its composition.
Who shouldn’t eat raw?
Though raw foodists are passionate in their beliefs regarding the health benefits of eating raw, some in the medical community find the diet low in protein and calories, which may be particularly harmful to children. Older folks at risk for osteoperosis should also monitor the diet closely to make sure they’re getting enough calcium. For these reasons "balance" makes sense for most people on an on-going basis.
Raw Food Pyramid
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