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Including Raw Foods In Your Diet

Including Raw Foods In Your Diet

Eating a lot of raw foods has become a popular trend in many health circles even though raw foods have been a part of our diet throughout human existence. The concept is old and simple to understand yet the results can be profound.

So just what are raw foods and why are so many people about including more raw foods into their diet? Basically raw foods are primarily natural foods that have not been heat-treated above 118 degrees (and in some cases less) in order to maintain their optimum nutritional value, enzymes and flavor. Your body digests raw foods more efficiently resulting in increased energy, enhanced performance, less stress, greater mental clarity, controlled weight management, and numerous other positive life improvements. Any engine needs good fuel to run efficiently and your body is no different. What you put into it directly impacts what you get out of it. In fact, the better the fuel you put inside your body, the better it will perform. By adding whole natural unheated foods to your diet, you are getting an excellent fuel as well as the best flavors of nature.

Many health advocates, consumer groups and organizations such as the FDA advocate eating multiple servings of raw fruits and vegetables each day not only as a preventative measure against disease, but also in conjunction with disease treatments. These raw foods support and improve the immune system and reduce metabolic stress often encountered with processed foods, thereby freeing up the body’s resources for homeostasis (the natural healing power of the organism). Our systems, the argument continues, were designed for foods gathered in the wild which were eaten as is. It’s why eating a lot of raw food can alleviate so many conditions.
Raw foods can do so much more than improve your health; they can also affect your emotional and psychological well-being. When your body receives the nourishment it needs, profound changes such as renewed optimism, heightened awareness, inner peace, greater appreciation of the environment, and positive energy towards those around them often occur. Raw foods (both plant and animal) have been eaten in every culture throughout civilization, and in many cultures held a prominent place in the diet.

Whatever program you follow, it’s a good idea to up your intake of fresh unprocessed organic foods and use the freshest and closest to nature ingredients you can find.