Is the raw food diet worth my time?
Asked by anonymous on Feb 05, 2009
in Alternative & Integrative Nutrition
I've heard a lot about the "raw food" diet, which means that over 75% of your food should be raw or not heated over 140 degrees. Being a health freak and a vegetarian, it's not that hard for me to only eat vegetables and fruits but I was wondering if it's healthy and if there's anything I should be worried about by only eating raw food. Also, are there any foods you would recommend?
Answer
I know a raw foods diet is not worth MY time, but if you prefer it, then just be careful. A raw food diet is based entirely on fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouted beans. The diet is low in fat and high in certain nutrients, but it lacks nutrition from animal foods and baked goods, and so it must be carefully planned. Take care to avoid deficiencies of calories, protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, copper, and zinc. Eat vitamin B12 fortified soy milk and lots of sea vegetables for the nutrients they provide. Take a multivitamin-mineral supplement every day, and be sure to get enough calories because raw food diets may take a long time to chew and the body does not easily extract the calories. Read more about the raw food diet from the Guide to Alternative Medicine at About.com.
