Healing Raw Vegan Diet: What To Eat And Why

A raw vegan diet is a subset of veganism that combines the principles of veganism with those of raw foodism. Raw foodism dictates that foods should be eaten completely raw or heated at temperatures below 104–118°F (40–48°C).

A raw vegan diet is generally rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, and legumes. It tends to be naturally low in processed foods. Proponents of this diet believe that raw and minimally heated foods are more nutritious than cooked ones.

Some people follow a raw vegan diet for ethical or environmental reasons, but most do it for its purported health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and a lower risk of diabetes.

Raw food is low in fat, giving the liver a rest and allowing it to release stored toxins

Raw food is low in fat, which gives the liver a rest and allows it to release stored toxins. This is because the liver is responsible for processing fat, so when we eat a diet low in fat, we give the liver a break from one of its main jobs. This can be beneficial for the body, as it allows the liver to focus on other tasks, such as releasing stored toxins.

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism. It helps to remove toxins from the blood, such as alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances. When the liver is overworked or damaged, it may not function optimally, which can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. This can contribute to various health issues, including fatigue, skin problems, and digestive issues.

By reducing the amount of fat in the diet, the liver has less work to do and can focus on its other functions, such as filtering the blood, regulating metabolism, and storing essential nutrients. This can help improve overall health and well-being.

In addition to giving the liver a rest, a raw food diet can also provide other health benefits. Raw foods are typically rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help support the body's natural detoxification processes and promote healing.

For example, a raw food diet can help improve digestion by providing both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps to feed the good bacteria in the intestines, which can reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to stools and helps food move through the gut more quickly, reducing the risk of constipation.

Overall, a raw food diet can be a healthy and healing approach to eating, especially when it is well-planned and includes a variety of nutrient-rich plant foods. However, it is important to note that a fully raw vegan diet may also pose some health risks, especially if it is not properly planned to include all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Raw food is rich in nutrients, helping the body to heal and release stored fat and excess water weight

Raw food is rich in nutrients, which has a twofold benefit for the body. Firstly, it helps the body to heal by providing a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Secondly, it supports the body in releasing stored fat and excess water weight.

Raw food is abundant in complex carbohydrates, which are slowly released into the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels stable. Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are a great source of complex carbohydrates and protein. Broccoli and kale, for example, consist of 45% protein, while spinach consists of 30% protein. These leafy greens also provide essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

Nuts and seeds are other excellent sources of protein for a raw vegan diet. Almonds, for instance, are 12% protein per ounce, while pumpkin seeds consist of 21% protein per seed. Spirulina, a type of algae, is a lesser-known source of protein and is almost 68% protein. It also has fatty acids and potential detoxification qualities.

A raw vegan diet is naturally low in unhealthy saturated fats. However, it is important to include healthy fats, which can be obtained from nuts, seeds, and avocados. These foods provide essential fatty acids and support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The abundance of nutrients in raw food helps the body to function optimally. By choosing a variety of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, a raw vegan diet can be rich in nutrients and support overall health and well-being.

Raw vegan diets are high in both soluble and insoluble fibres, which help improve digestion

A raw vegan diet is a subset of veganism. It combines the principles of veganism with those of raw foodism, which dictates that foods should be eaten completely raw or heated at temperatures below 104–118°F (40–48°C). A raw vegan diet is generally rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, and legumes. It is also naturally low in processed foods.

The high fibre content of raw plant foods can also aid in weight loss. Studies consistently link raw food diets, including raw veganism, to lower amounts of body fat. In one study, participants following a raw vegan diet for over 3.5 years lost around 22–26 pounds (10–12 kg).

• Green Thickies: Filling Green Smoothie Recipes
• Raw Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup
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• Raw Cauliflower 'Popcorn'

Raw vegan diets are nutritionally unbalanced and can lead to vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, and protein deficiencies

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that is naturally lacking in a raw vegan diet. Insufficient vitamin B12 intake can lead to adverse health effects such as anemia, nervous system damage, infertility, heart disease, and poor bone health. Vegans who do not take supplements are at a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. In fact, one study found that all participants following a raw vegan diet consumed less than the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, with over a third being deficient.

Raw vegan diets also tend to be low in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for maintaining strong bones. Proponents of the raw vegan diet often discourage the use of iodized salt, further increasing the risk of iodine deficiency. The diet may also result in inadequate protein intake, as it typically provides less than 10% of daily calories from protein.

Additionally, the raw vegan diet may promote tooth decay, especially when it includes a high amount of citrus fruits and berries due to their acidity.

To avoid these deficiencies, careful planning and supplementation are necessary. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian before adopting a raw vegan diet to ensure adequate nutrient intake and avoid potential health risks.

Raw vegan diets may weaken muscles and bones due to low calcium and vitamin D content

A raw vegan diet is a subset of veganism that combines vegan principles with raw foodism. It consists of mostly unprocessed, plant-based foods that are either completely raw or heated at very low temperatures. While a raw vegan diet can be beneficial for health, it may also come with certain risks.

One of the main risks associated with a raw vegan diet is the potential for weaker muscles and bones. This is because a raw vegan diet tends to be low in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for maintaining strong bones. Calcium plays a crucial role in building and maintaining bones, as well as muscle contraction, blood pressure regulation, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and a deficiency can lead to weak and brittle bones.

In one study, people following a raw vegan diet were found to have lower bone mineral content and density than those on a standard American diet. This is likely due to the limited intake of calcium and vitamin D in a raw vegan diet. While some raw vegans may be able to get enough vitamin D from sun exposure, this may not be sufficient for older adults, those living in northern latitudes, or individuals with darker skin.

Additionally, a raw vegan diet typically provides very little protein, which is important for preserving muscle mass, especially during periods of weight loss. A well-planned raw vegan diet should ensure adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein to maintain muscle and bone strength. This may involve the inclusion of fortified foods or supplements, as recommended by health professionals.

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