Raw food diet review - Dangers

by Rupert
(Vancouver)

Raw Food Diet review - What are the dangers? Depending on who you speak to, a raw food diet either gives perfect health or undernourishment. That in itself says more about the individual than the diet. I guess the same would be true if we were mostly raw food devotees and then had to switch to cooked food.
Some people are a bit more creative and spend a bit more time researching than others.

So what is a raw food diet and can following a raw food diet be all that healthy?

Basically you try to eat plants and foods in their natural states ? uncooked and unprocessed ? this is the most wholesome for the body. Please note: This is not a weight loss plan but rather a lifestyle.

The raw food diet does involve a lot of preparation time for the beginner: peeling, chopping, blending etc. But that definitely reduces with time and experience.
A typical raw food diet food list will include:


* sprouts and sprouted seeds
* whole grains
* beans
* seaweed
* dried fruits and nuts
* And in some instances unprocessed meats too

Alcohol, anything refined or processed and caffeine are out.

Many raw foodists are vegans but many also eat eggs, cheese other dairy products and meats.

Are there any dangers associated with starting a raw food diet?


Because temperatures are not supposed to be higher than around 116 degrees Fahrenheit (it is believed that temperatures higher than this destroy enzymes and vitamins essential for good digestion) many consider this practice risky as cooking below those temperatures may not kill harmful bacteria.


Is a Raw Food Diet Healthy?

Obviously there are many mixed opinions (especially from those flaunting diet products...).

Research has found that many raw food dietists have low cholesterol and triglycerides, however they also have a low vitamin B12 reading. B12 is only found naturally in animal products and is critical to the development of nerves and red blood cells. Deficiencies can cause anemia and/or neurological impairment.

A German study showed long-term raw foodists to have healthy levels of dietary carotenoids and vitamin A (from vegetables, fruits and nuts) to protect one from chronic diseases.

Some studies have shown 'raw foodies' to have low lumbar spine and hip bone mass in the lumbar spine and hip but at the same time have a good bone quality.

Other studies have shown that some menstrual cycles were interrupted, but that was rather thought to be the result of drastic weight loss rather than the diet itself.


Raw Foodism and Nutrition

Raw food diet dangers: Final Comments

Vegans, raw food dietists and regular cooked food folk, need to make certain they get enough vitamin B12, iron, calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids, many of which are found in animal products.


* Eat plenty of iron from sources like tofu, legumes, almonds and cashews.
* Cabbage, soybeans, tempeh, milk and figs are high in calcium
* Some good sources of Vitamin B12 are from fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy milk and nutritional yeast. Vitamin B12 Supplements might be a good idea too.
* Flaxseed and walnuts are a good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. And of course so is fish.

Finally, Raw food Vegans should make sure they get enough vitamin D (found in meats and eggs) as low levels of vitamin D can result in weaker bones. Ceratin fortified foods, like soy and rice milk, some breakfast cereals and margarines contain Vitamin D. Also consider taking a vitamin D supplement.


Hope my 'raw food diet review & dangers' helps clear the air.
I still believe everything should be done in moderation...