There are millions of species upon the earth, but only one cooks its food. All of the rest rely on nature to feed them. It is true that we rely on nature to make sure we are fed, but we are a species that alters our food. Food that was once raw becomes fried or grilled. It is boiled broiled. Once it is cooked, it loses its nutritional value. It can be stripped of 50% or more of the nutrients, which means it isn't going to provide the body with what it needs to function.
Luckily, there is a new trend surrounding the consumption of raw foods. Those health-conscious consumers looking to detoxify their bodies, lose weight, and feel better are finding that these foods really show results in these areas. Other than cleansing the system and promoting dramatic weight loss, raw foods help an individual feel more energy, have better looking skin, have a lesser chance of developing heart disease, and have better health overall.
What's so Special about a Raw Diet?
Raw foods do not have nearly the amount of trans fats that non-raw foods do, have fewer saturated fats, is higher in necessary nutrients, and is low in sodium. These are all healthy aspects of a healthy body. These foods are relevant to those individuals who are finding out more about the additives and toxins in foods and what they can do to the human body. By shopping the organic section of their free market or the supermarket, they are making a health conscious decision. They are not being exposed to pesticides or genetically altered foods, which means they’re getting the nutrients they need without the poisons that can outweigh the benefits getting in the way.
In regards to the environment, raw foods have a lot of benefits. Those benefits include the fact that less farmland is used for the slaughtering of animals, a really good movie that has come out to mention here is called: “The Fast Food Nation”. The need for less farmland means less deforestation to make the room for it. Unfortunately, there are entire fields dedicated to the raising of animals that are to be slaughtered.
This results in a lot of junk from the slaughterhouses being absorbed by the soil. That junk then finds its way into water supplies. There have been tests conducted on United States water supplies that have found remnants of slaughterhouses. These elements are barely detectable, but they still pose a risk to the general population.
If more people were to embark upon a raw foods diet, they would contribute to reducing the need for slaughterhouses, I personally think this alone is a wonderful reason to embark n a raw food diet or any diet that does not involve slaughtering any type of living creature. In the meantime, they are improving their diets. Raw foods means a person will feel better in many ways. They are preventing diseases and so much more.
The following foods are the staples of a raw food diet:
- Sprouts
- Sprouted grains, nuts, and beans
- Raw spices and fresh herbs
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Seaweed & raw condiments
Every single day the food options continue to grow, making raw foods more appealing to those who would have never believed they would eat them. There are also a lot of specialty raw food restaurants popping up. This is a sign that more people are becoming interested in incorporating raw foods into their diets. By incorporating more raw foods into their diets, they are contributing to their health and to the environment.
The Strictness of the Diet
The strictness of the diet is worth all of the benefits the individual experiences and the environment experiences. There are so many choices that an individual can vary their choices to their preferences. Some people will choose to incorporate meat into their diet while others will not. For those who will include some meat, their diet is about 75% raw food. This is enough to make an environmental difference while sticking to the diet. Another great thing about a raw food diet is that you do have the option to vary the diet as you go. You may consume 100% raw foods one month and then lower the percentage to 75% the next month. Not everyone follows the diet the same way 100% of the time in order to change it up.
Who is the Diet Right For?
It is true that a diet of just raw foods is not right for everyone, but it is definitely for those willing to make a change. Many individuals make the changes for both the benefits to themselves and the benefits to the environment. This is a great way for people to do their part for the environment and spread the word about how to make a difference. As a result, everyone could be much healthier. There has been plenty of research conducted in both of these areas to convey the message that cites all of the benefits of incorporating raw foods into the diet.
To your happiness,
Omid
|
