Benefits of a Raw Diet

We’ve all heard the term “raw diet”. But what really makes up a raw diet? Is it all vegan foods, organic produce, or something else entirely? Time to set the record straight and provide some potential benefits of a raw diet.

A raw diet is a meal plan that includes raw vegetables and only organic foods. It’s not vegan (although it can be) or raw meat, but simply fresh-from-the-farm produce. You can include raw meat, as long as you are aware of the risks. And with everything in life, practice moderation. Some raw diet enthusiasts claim that raw meat can boost mental clarity, but we will leave that to others to discuss.

Let’s leap into the nitty-gritty details and potential benefits of a raw diet:

Organic agriculture protects both you and the farmers from unhealthy chemicals. It’s no surprise that most farmers use chemicals to provide a higher crop yield and better-looking produce. However, those chemicals can potentially be harmful and cause some nasty effects. According to Ota.com, children are more likely to be harmed by these pesticides than adults. Protect yourself and your children by sticking to chemical-free organic foods.

Nutrient booster

Raw produce is proven to have more nutrients than treated produce. For example, “When it comes to meat and milk, organic products can have about 50% more omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated healthy fat, than conventionally produced products, according to a 2016 study in the British Journal of Nutrition.” (Time.com)

In another study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it was found that organic onions have as much as 20% more antioxidant content than chemically raised onions.

Raw produce is proven to help diminish the risk of weight gain. Enzymes exist in natural products, but when that product is cooked to a temperature above around 112 degrees Fahrenheit, enzyme levels begin to dip as they are cooked away. Then our bodies have more trouble taking in these enzymes and breaking them down. That gives us fewer nutrients. But what does that have to do with your weight? When eating more nutrients and enzymes, you will feel much more full than if you were to have a heavy meal with fewer nutrients. By incorporating raw foods into your diet, you can effectively curb cravings and eat less overall while still gaining all your nutrients.

Not Rabbit Food

So, how can you incorporate a raw diet into your life in a delicious way? Gnawing on a piece of raw broccoli for lunch doesn’t sound that appetizing. Thank goodness for delicious and healthy juices from The Good Neighbor! When they juice fruits and vegetables like spinach, watermelon, and apples, they juice them in their most natural state. If you want to start eating more raw and natural produce but don’t want to chew on carrot sticks all day, juices from The Good Neighbor is a great way to take in your nutrients while still having a delicious treat.