The Promise Of Raw Food Diet

Your oven gets a rest on this diet. You'll mostly be eating raw fruits, vegetables, and grains.

The premise is that heating food destroys its nutrients and natural enzymes, which is bad because enzymes boost digestion and fight chronic disease. In short: When you cook it, you kill it.

Some raw foodists believe cooking makes food toxic. They claim that a raw food diet can clear up headaches and allergies, boost immunity and memory, and improve arthritis and diabetes.

Does It Work?

You'll probably lose weight on this diet, since many raw foods are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in fiber. One study found that a raw foods diet worked for weight loss.

You'll also get nutritional perks. Most of what you eat are plant based foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. And it’s true that cooking can zap some water soluble vitamins like vitamins B and C. Eating lots of veggies and fruits is good for you.

But there are drawbacks. You have to make sure you're getting enough protein, iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals like B12. Because most people who eat raw foods exclude animal products, you may need to take vitamin supplements to make up for any gaps in your diet.

Plus, cooking isn't all bad. It boosts some nutrients, like beta-carotene and lycopene. It also kills bacteria, which helps you avoid food poisoning. Some foods can only be eaten if they are cooked. And there’s no scientific proof that eating only raw foods prevents illness.