Raw foods diet improves health
Jessica Unterreiner
A raw food diet is a form of a vegan diet in which the individual does not eat any food that has been “cooked above 118 degrees,” according to Kirt Tyson, a naturopathic medical doctor.
When foods are cooked above a certain temperature, enzymes that aid in digestion are destroyed, and the food no longer provides the body with its original, full nutritional content. “A raw food diet is basically consuming foods as they are in nature and not modifying them,” Monica Behling, a licensed acupuncturist and raw food coach, said. The basics of a raw food diet are fruits, veggies, and nuts, although there are more raw food options available, such as sprouted bread, raw crackers, and even raw food bars.
“Instantly, it (raw food) creates better health, more energy, clarity, and … weight loss also happens very quickly,” Sarah Peterson, a raw food chef and educator, as well as the owner of Elemental Raw, said.
Monica Behling also mentioned when following a raw food diet, a person is always happy and not suffering mood swings, fatigue or depression. Followers of this diet also report sleeping better while requiring less sleep, and having more endurance when it comes to physical activity.
In addition to those simply looking for a healthier lifestyle by going raw, those with current diseases can benefit greatly from a raw food diet.
“The raw food diet has been very effective in reversing disease. (I) use it for cancer, diabetes, (and) heart disease,” Tyson said. In his documentary, “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days,” he used a raw food diet to “reverse diabetes.”
“In 30 days, (I was) able to effectively start patients on the process to where they were reversing diabetes using just diet,” Tyson said.
To reap these amazing benefits, however, some sacrifices must be made. The diet is very restrictive and prep time can be extensive.
“Typically, the hard part of the raw food diet is food preparation … vegetables and plants are pretty bland in terms of taste, so you have to work with it and be a chef in a way,” Tyson said.
The good news is that benefits are not only to be reaped by those who exclusively eat raw foods. There are many raw foodists who consume about 80 percent to 90 percent raw foods and have outstanding changes in health. Even the simple effort to include more raw food in one’s diet can bring noticeable health benefits.
“Adding more organic raw vegetablein your diet and trying different raw products, but don’t go so carb-heavy with raw food … mostly vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and overtime start eliminating what you shouldn’t be eating while incorporating more foods that you should,” Tyson said.
Sarah Peterson helps individuals transition from a standard diet to a raw food diet, and her web site is www.elementalraw.com. Tyson also helps people make the transition. His email is drtyson@balancedhealthmc.com.
On top of that, every second Sunday of the month, local followers of the raw food diet meet at Blue Nile Restaurant at 11 a.m. to discuss following a raw food diet. The Blue Nile Restaurant is located at 933 E. University Drive, Suite 112, Tempe.
