While the principles of raw food leave many of us indifferent, special adherents of healthy eating practice this diet to the fullest. A raw food diet involves the consumption of only raw, thermally unprocessed food of plant origin.
This “newfangled diet” is really a return to the original way of eating that our ancestors followed. Raw foods are high in enzymes and nutrients that enhance digestibility, fight chronic disease, and are predominantly destroyed by heat.
So, on International Raw Food Day, we would like to debunk 5 common myths:
- Frozen food is raw food.
Frozen foods bought at the grocery store are often not raw, as they are blanched before packaging.
Blanching preserves color and flavor, but also reduces nutritional value. However, home-frozen fruit is fine for a raw food diet.
Anything eaten on a raw diet should be cold.
Food can be heated up to 47 degrees Celsius without adversely affecting nutritional properties. You can also use a blender and food processor to make smoothies, fruit purees, and so on. 2. It implies the consumption of only raw vegetables and fruits.
In fact, besides fruits and vegetables, many other foods are consumed. You can eat seeds, nuts, dried fruits, sprouted grains, coconut milk, juices, smoothies, and some processed foods like vinegar and cold-pressed oils. Olive, coconut and sunflower oils are the most commonly used. Some allow even fresh raw fish and meat to be consumed.
3. On a raw food diet, you will eat less.
To function properly, your body needs the same amount of calories as it would from a regular diet. The only difference is that natural sources become the resources for this. A raw diet includes less fat, cholesterol, and is rich in vitamins and fiber.
4. You need to switch to a 100% raw food diet to feel the benefits of such a diet.
First, do not rush into the pool with your head. The transition to a healthy lifestyle is a process that requires time and work. Start with one “wet day” per week. With a sharp transition, you are more at risk of “breaking loose” and giving up the idea of such a diet. Give yourself time to adapt and get used to it. Start slowly, but be stable. Nutritionists say that even 80% raw in the diet will have a noticeable positive effect.