Raw Food Diet FAQ

Information on the raw food diet.

On this website we use the word "Raw" interchangeably with "Living"

Wikipedia Definition of Raw Foodism and Raw Foodist-

Raw foodism is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet . Depending on the type of lifestyle and results desired, raw food diets may include a selection of raw fruits , vegetables , nuts , seeds (including sprouted whole grains ), eggs , fish , meat , and unpasteurized dairy products (such as raw milk , cheese and yogurt ).

A raw foodist is a person who consumes primarily raw food, or all raw food, depending on how strict the diet is. Raw foodists typically believe that the greater the percentage of raw food in the diet, the greater the health benefits. Members of the raw food community claim that raw food encourages weight loss and prevents and/or heals many forms of sickness and many chronic diseases .

What is a raw foodist? A person that generally intakes 75% or more of raw foods. Raw foodist belief that the maximum benefits are seen at 100% raw food intake.

What are raw foods? Raw foods are living foods that still have living enzymes. Enzymes die when food is prepared over 105-116 degrees. Foods that have been cooked, processed, and/or pasteurized over 115 degrees is not raw. If it does not state on a label that a food is raw or living, I would not take the risk. Raw foods may include vegetables, cultured veggies, sea veggies, fruit, seeds, sprouted grains, and sprouted nuts.

What are enzymes and why are they important? Everything you digest requires enzymes to assist in the digestion of food. Body will not get maximum value of food. Lack of enzymes cause toxins in the body. When food is void of enzymes the body will have to use its reservoir of enzymes for digestion.

What do you eat on a raw food diet? Organic Veggies/Cultured Veggies Fruit Nuts Seeds Grains Sea Veggies Some raw foodists eat gourmet meals that simulate real food with the use of a dehydrator. Others keep it simple and eat one or two foods at a time. They feel the food is easier assimilated into the body.

What is the difference between raw and living foods? Both have enzymes. Raw products such as nuts have enzymes in a "dormant" state. You must "sprout" them for the enzymes to become active. In living foods the enzyme content is much higher. On this website we use the word "Raw" interchangeably with "Living"

What are the benefits of eating a raw food diet?

Detoxification
Reach optimum health with the diet nature intended
Environment conscious- save energy by not cooking
Support local farmers
More in tune with mind, body, and spirit
No animal products used therefore your body is not working harder to digest heavy foods

How do raw vegans get their protein on a raw food diet? Protein is built by Amino Acids. All foods must be broken down into a liquid before it can be assimilated into the blood stream. Sprouted nuts, seed, and grains have protein. Also certain superfoods such as hempseeds have protein. Amount of protein needed per person on a standard american diet (SAD) can vary with a person on a raw vegan diet.

Why is buying organic produce important on a raw food diet? Organic food have more vitamins and minerals. Certified organic foods do not contain pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals which have not been fully tested and can be toxic. The quality and tastes is higher. Even if you use a Veggie wash to clean conventional raw foods it does not remove all pesticide residue. If you can't get organic buy the freshest possible. Buy local produce when available. If you purchase conventional produce buy varieties that are the lowest on the pesticide list. Produce that can be peeled are your best bets; watermelon, oranges, pineapples, onions, etc. Produce with delicate skin generally do not have a great barrier to pesticides; peaches, celery, lettuce, grapes, etc.

What is detox? Detox is the purging of toxins from your body. This may happen through going to the restroom, eyes, skin, mouth, skin eruptions, mood swings, flu-like symptoms, etc. Eating nuts and fatty foods can slow down detox. Some people do not experience it, some experience it heavily. The length of detox can last for an hour to several weeks.