Lauren Au, RD

Raw Food Diet?

October 26th, 2008

David wrote on October 25th, 2008:

“I was reading an article recently that talked about the benefits of unpasteurized foods such as milk, almonds, orange juice, etc.

The claim is that pasteurizing foods is an outdated practice, first implemented in times when food storage and sanitation was poor.

Now that the practice is much safer and more reliable, unpasteurized or “raw” foods are better for you because they retain more of the nutrients and good bacteria that we need.  I’ve tried researching some more, but both sides have good arguments. What’s your view on this?”

Great question, David. First let me define what the Raw Food Diet is. According to Living Foods, the Raw Food Diet is based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed.

Heating food above 116 degrees F is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and “life force” of food. Typically, at least 75% of the diet must be living or raw.

Foods allowed:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Beans
• Grains
• Legumes
• Dried fruit
• Seaweed
• Unprocessed organic or natural foods
• Freshly juiced fruit and vegetables
• Purified water
• Young coconut milk

Proposed benefits:

• Increased energy
• Improved skin appearance
• Better digestion
• Weight loss
• Reduced risk of heart disease

Cons:

• May experience a detoxification reaction
• Mild headaches, nausea, and cravings
• Not recommended for children, pregnant women, people with anemia, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems
• Considerable amount of time, energy, and preparation

My take-home message: This diet is based on consuming whole, fresh foods. There is a large benefit of eating any diet that is high in fruits and vegetables because there is such a high amount of vitamins and minerals found in these foods. However, I believe that no matter how you eat these foods, fresh, cooked, or raw, that you will get a considerable amount of the nutrients you need.

The problem that occurs today is that many of the foods that are available on the market are largely processed and nutrient-void. The store-bought cookies, chips, candies, and soda are high in calories and low in nutrients. If you pasteurize orange juice, for example, you are not necessarily decreasing the nutrient content, but rather making sure harmful organisms are killed. So my advice is to not worry about pasteurizing produce, but focus on eating enough fruits, vegetables, and low-fat yogurts to keep your gastrointestinal system happy and healthy!

Lauren

Entry Filed under: Nutrition