Recent studies have proven that the universe is expanding at an incredible rate. To me this is the sign that human consciousness (the conscious state of total ones) is expanding in understanding itself and its nature. Raw Foodism is not a new thing; it almost dates back to 4000 years ago owing its origin to the Jewish culture. And now, we are starting to take a step back and examine the quality of why Raw Foodims is coming to be the new age concept in conscious living. Choosing a raw foods diet for your life is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and wellbeing. If you are a relatively new raw foodist, or simply considering making the change to raw foodism; you probably have a lot of questions. As with anything, learning about raw foodism can seem very overwhelming, as it asks you to take on a new way of thinking of food, but it is well worth it in the long run of your health, life and happiness.
Of your questions as a new raw foodist, you may be wondering what exactly is the raw foods diet? What does it consist of? What can I include and conversely what should I exclude? Moreover, are there any foods that should not be eaten raw? Below, we give you an overview of what exactly raw foodism entails and what foods you cannot eat raw.
Raw Foodism
What do we mean by raw? Raw means not heated above 115 degrees (and in some cases, not above 105 degrees), which is limiting as this is only the equivalent of lightly steaming. The reasons for keeping produce unheated is that fruits and vegetables are intrinsically full of nutrients and minerals that your body needs for cell growth, digestive function, and overall health. Once heated above 115 degrees, these fruits and vegetables lose most of this nutritional value, offering your body a fraction of the nutrients it would have otherwise had. Secondly, raw fruits and vegetables are chuck full of enzymes. Enzymes in fruits and vegetables are passed onto your body and are responsible for optimum digestive processes. Once these are eliminated in your produce through heating, your body must work to digest these foods and all foods to follow.
Below is a list of the most common unsafe raw foods that you should avoid when embarking on your new raw food diet and lifestyle.
Potatoes - Potatoes contain solanine and chaconine which can be potentially hazardous to your health. These minerals, though still present once cooked above the raw food temperature limit, are limited to less amounts. Solanine and Chaconine in raw potatoes are not toxic to the body on their own, unless they are consumed in large quantities, so limit intake to minimal proportions.
Mushrooms - While mushrooms vary according to poisonous and non-poisonous species, it is advised that eating mushrooms raw be limited if not avoided altogether. Studies have shown that some of the more popular generic mushrooms found in grocery stores cause cancers in mice. Best to avoid eating raw mushrooms altogether. Unless you are eating 100% Organic mushrooms, but even then, eat as small amount as possible.
Alfalfa Sprouts - Alfalfa sprouts, like potatoes, should be avoided in large quantities, and if the raw foodist prefers, avoided altogether. Recent studies have found that a key ingredient, Canavanine, when fed to monkeys, creates a Lupus-like disease. For the human, it would take quite a bit of uncooked alfalfa to cause a similar condition, but of course that is up to the individual.
Beans - One would think that since beans as a food are so similar in taste and appearance, that their physical makeup would be identical, right? Not at all. Here's a look at the most common beans found toxic when consumed raw:
- Soy beans – soy beans when ingested raw, have been known to cause everything from estrogen issues to thyroid problem. Definitely avoid eating raw.
- Flava beans- This is where the disease, favism, comes from. Though Favism is predominantly a genetic disease, it's best to avoid eating these beans raw as well.
- Kidney beans – in small quantities, raw kidney beans have been proven to cause death. Avoid eating raw kidney beans altogether.
Grains - Most grains contain antinutrients which make ingestion of them raw-toxic. This is why it is recommended that if you do want to eat grains raw, that you first soak them in accordance to safe soaking instructions.
Spinach/Rhubarb - Both spinach and rhubarb contain oxalates. The only issue with oxalates is that they interfere with calcium absorption. Spinach and rhubarb eaten raw is absolutely fine as long as they are not eaten in large quantities.
Parsnip - Parsnip is actually both toxic cooked and raw. Parsnip contains psoralens, which is toxic at either state of chemistry, so you should not eat raw.
Taro - Taro, though not overly popular, contains lectins and trypsin inhibitors which are toxic to the system. Do not consume raw.
Flavanoids - Flavanoids are a broad grouping of foods that offer both positive and negative effects when eaten raw. Due to the fact that flavanoids effects when eaten raw range from potentially serious to positive, it is best to either thoroughly investigate and research your foods with flavanoids or remove them from your diet overall.
Concluding Thoughts
As is true of any change you make in your life that deals with health and your body, it is always crucial that you do as much research as possible on what is safe and what isn't when it comes to what you ingest. Starting with a raw food diet is one of the best decisions you can make for your body's short and long term health by eliminating poisonous processed foods and refined sugars you are saving your body from, not to mention the nutrient-free cooked fruits and vegetables that mess with your digestion by not providing any enzymes. Now, just take this one step further, and make sure that you are not including any toxic raw foods that can cause illness, allergy, and possible disease or death.
By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari
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