Unprocessed Food Benefits!

Our body flourishes on food sources that are fresh and natural, so common sense dictates that including as much unprocessed food types to our diet will be highly beneficial. Consuming unprocessed foods is the natural way to gain wholesome nutrition. An unprocessed food diet, or at the very least, increasing the amount of unprocessed food per meal will most certainly bring on feelings of amplified wellbeing. The unprocessed food sources that I am referring to are basically raw uncooked, preferably organic grown, plant foods such as various fresh vegetables and fruit, dehydrated fruit, grains, seeds, nuts, and freshly squeezed juices. Essentially, it is recommended to increase the food sources per meal that would normally be found in a vegetarian diet.

As fibre is usually very much reduced or destroyed during the processing method, the raw unprocessed food diet encourages consuming living plant food types that contain maximum quality fibre that is usually found in only raw produce. Raw produce is effortlessly metabolised by the body and tends to be much lower in calories than the average processed food type. By applying heat to food sources above 46 deg C (116 deg F), which is usual during the processing method, valuable enzymes that aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients is destroyed, thereby diminishing the nutritional value of that food source. An individuals diet consisting of at least 75 percent raw unprocessed food offers abundant health benefits, such as improved digestion, improved skin appearance, increased energy, weight loss, and reduced risk of contracting serious illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Raw unprocessed food diets are high in fibre, folate, potassium, magnesium, are very low in sodium, and provide almost no saturated fats. Raw unprocessed food diets provide an exceptional means for those interested in detoxifying the body. Various combinations of raw unprocessed food types can be used for targeting skin cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing or colon cleansing. All fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, beans, legumes, or seaweed can be included to your meals to increase your intake of raw unprocessed food. The choices of food types you include may even be determined by the reasons for your decision to change your diet, for example, radish leaves and shitake mushrooms act as an antioxidant, cabbage supports healthy cellular function, carrots are an ideal source of vitamin A and encourage healthy vision whilst also supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, sprouted brown rice slows glucose absorption and improves metabolism.

Many imaginative individuals choose to sprout their own nutrient dense unprocessed foods by using a home made terrarium type sprouter. Sprouts from grains, seeds, beans and wheatgrass can be used in salads, soups, and can even be juiced. Organically grown sprouts could be classed as a super food because they contain substantial levels of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, trace elements, chlorophyll, and protein, they really are the perfect natural supplement. The nutritional value of grains and seeds is remarkable, most grain and seed contain the required vitamins A, B, and E, and are fantastic natural sources for unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin. Fennel in particular has the qualities to reduce and control the inflammation associated with arthritis, regulates mood fluctuation and states of depression, and contains zinc, vitamin B complex, and the rare nutrient called manganese.

The suggestion of a raw unprocessed food diet is to aim at consuming at least 75 percent raw produce per meal. If the idea of raw unprocessed food is not to your liking, start off by gently warming the food slightly, just be cautious not to exceed 46 deg C (116 deg F). As mentioned above, a raw unprocessed food diet is an exceptional detoxifying agent, certain individuals could experience a mild detoxification reaction which may include mild headaches, nausea and cravings. It is possible that these symptoms could last for several days. By reducing your intake of meat, sugar and caffeine for a week or so prior to commencing the diet, you may not experience these withdrawal type symptoms at all. A raw unprocessed food diet is most certainly an excellent way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. As with anything worthwhile, it will take time, energy and commitment. Combining an unprocessed food diet with regular physical exercise is an excellent weight loss or weight management technique.

As with any major change in ones diet, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional before beginning the diet. This is particularly the case when dealing with the diet for children, pregnant women, any individual suffering anaemia, and any individual with an existing medical condition. Natural food sources can sometimes conflict with certain medications, so please mention any medications you may be taking when discussing dietary changes with your healthcare professional. If you have been feeling a little off your game lately, then a raw unprocessed food diet could be just what you need!