It is believed by raw foodists that heating food above 116 degrees F destroys enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and “life force” of food.
There are many obvious health benefits including weight and mood stabilization, increase in energy, better digestion etc… And of course, like anything, the raw food diet has been met with it’s share of criticism.
I haven’t read or heard of any negative effects of the raw food diet in general but if your diet has consisted of meat, sugar, salt and fat, it might be best to start slow in changing to the raw food diet as the body has to go through a “detoxification” process and may feel worse before you feel better.
Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with ‘incurable’ diabetes switching their diet and getting off insulin. It is highly endorsed by Morgan Spurlock (independent documentary film director, TV producer, and screenwriter, known for the documentary film Super Size Me), Woody Harrelson and Anthony robbins, among others.
You can watch the trailer for it here:
I’ve tried a couple of times to follow the diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed, just as an experiment and noticed some benefits almost immediately.
Unfortunately, I haven’t actually managed to go a whole week on it, due to my lack of organization and a healthy stock of non-raw foods tempting me from the pantry. Next time I’ll have to stock up on groceries and make a meal plan before I start.
Have any of you tried the Raw Food Diet ? How did you find it?