Raw Foods

There are a variety of raw foods that are associated with health benefits, including benefits to the digestive system. Raw foods also typically contain particularly high amounts of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids in comparison to cooked foods. These nutrients are necessary for the proper regulation of all biological systems.

Raw Food Preparation

Raw food can be prepared in many ways without the necessity of heating. Many are simple to prepare and packaged ready to eat. Others may need to be soaked in water overnight to enhance digestion. Many individuals utilize food processors, juicers, blenders, or dehydrators.

Raw Food Benefits

Typically, raw foods contain high amounts of fiber and phytochemicals, associated with an overall decreased risk of the development of certain diseases. It is suggested that eating raw foods also increases the amounts of healthy bacteria and other micro-organisms that enhance overall immune system and digestive functioning. Raw foods are also associated with the following benefits:

• Better digestion
• Weight loss and maintenance
• Increased energy levels
• Improved skin appearance

Raw Foods and Digestion

Usually, raw foods, especially fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish and certain dairy products are more readily digested than other foods. Enzymes are not destroyed by the acidic medium of the stomach, rather, the enzymes are activated. The temperature of a system is not comparable to the pH, as they are two completely different physical aspects of a system.

Raw Foods and Digestive Enzymes

It is believed that warming foods above 116 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for the degradation of digestive enzymes within foods. The average temperature of a deep fryer exceeds 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adequate amounts of digestive enzymes are required by the body for proper digestion and absorption. The absorption of nutrients is completed only when digestion occurs, breaking complex molecules into simple molecules that can be absorbed and readily used.

Raw Foods and Your Diet

There does exist a diet known as the raw food diet; that stresses the importance of eating only raw foods. However, for the typical American, the consumption of only raw foods is not feasible. Therefore, it is recommended that raw foods make up approximately 50% of the diet on a daily basis. In this manner, other foods can be consumed, while maintaining the positive benefits of raw food intake. The fact is that raw foods are a good addition to any healthy diet.

Raw Foods: Exercise Caution

There are foods that should never be eaten raw. Exercise caution when choosing foods to eat raw, and be sure that you take time to wash or educate yourself as to what should and should not be eaten. Many raw foods contain bacteria, and can contain parasites, leading to foodborne illnesses, most commonly food poisoning. Proper preparation and storage of these foods is essential. A few foods that you should exercise caution when eating raw include kidney beans, buckwheat, rhubarb, and potatoes.

Find additional solutions for your digestive system here.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/eat-your-colors
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-poisoning/DS00981

Written by Lillian Taylor for MicroNutra Health™

This entry was posted on Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 4:37 am and is filed under Digestive Enzymes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.