Pros and cons of the raw vegan diet

The answer to “Which is the healthiest diet?” is not universal and it does not apply to everyone. That is the reason why medical professionals and specialists in nutrition answer this question in a variety of different ways. One approach which is gaining popularity is the raw vegan diet. Raw food supporters maintain that raw foods contain natural enzymes and a host of other nutrients that normally break down during cooking. These enzymes improve digestion, helping the body absorb other beneficial nutrients. The end result is that cells bring in more nutrition and thrive. But in your attempt to adopt good health, the raw vegan diet is likely not to give the expected results. Even doctors who prescribe and live by a vegan diet caution their patients against attempting a raw diet. According to Livescience. com here’s some misconceptions about the raw vegan diet: (1) Cooking destroys nutrients: Sure, raw foods can be nutritious. But cooking breaks apart fibers and cellular walls to release nutrients that otherwise would be unavailable from the same raw food. Overcooking is the real problem - boiling the life out of greens will indeed reduce the nutrient load. (2) Cooking destroys enzymes: This one is absolutely true, but it doesnt matter. Yes, heat destroys enzymes. But humans make their own digestive enzymes to break down large food molecules into smaller ones. (3) Raw foods are detoxifying: Dietary detoxification is an alternative medicine concept with little scientific credibility. Usually, two organs are cited as needing detoxification: the liver and the colon. In reality, toxins can accumulate anywhere in the body, particularly in fat and fatty tissue, but also in proteins and bone. (4) Raw veganism is healthful: Healthfulness when eating a raw, vegan diet is a challenge; its not inherent. Many on the diet do lose weight by consuming fewer calories. But weight loss should not be the ultimate goal. The most apparent problems are nutritional deficiencies, particularly for vitamins B12 and D, selenium, zinc, iron and two omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. (5) Raw-only foods are natural: Judging what is natural is a slippery slope. Humans around the world live to relatively similar ages on a multitude of different diets. Most of the reasonable diets that consist of grains, vegetables and meats will get you to at least age 70 if an accident or infectious disease doesnt kill you first. The only real answer: BalanceThere are numerous well-documented benefits to eating large amounts of fresh produce. A well-rounded diet that incorporates raw and lightly cooked foods, raw healthy fats, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and organic fruits and vegetables could be more beneficial. This balanced approach will go a long way toward providing you the nutrients you need to maintain overall health, clarity, and vitality naturally. ...

...