Benefits of Raw Food Diet

In recent years, raw food diets have gained considerable popularity, hailed by many as a pathway to optimal health and well-being. Advocates of raw food diets claim that consuming unprocessed, uncooked foods can lead to numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy levels, vitality and weight management.
Raw food diet is referred as the consumption of food in its natural form, unprocessed and uncooked. This diet typically includes fruits,vegetables,nuts, seeds while excluding animal products and processed foods, raw diet is mainly charactrized by high quantities of fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, starch, phytochemicals and low fat.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Nutrient Preservation
Raw food diets preserve nutrients that are often lost during cooking. Vitamins such as vitamin C and certain B vitamins are sensitive to heat and can be degraded through cooking processes. By eating raw foods, individuals can potentially maximize their intake of vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Minerals like sulphur, magnesium, potassium, calcium, maganese can be directly obtained from cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, brocoli. This diet boost with great energy, overall health of body and mind. 
Enzyme Preservation
It is believed that cooking destroys enzymes that aid in digestion. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions in the body. Studies suggest that consuming raw foods support digestion and nutrient absorption, although the body has its own enzymatic systems but  the additional enzymes from raw foods are thought to contribute positively to digestion, healthy liver function and increased metabolism.
High fiber content
Raw food diets are rich source of fiber. Fibers help to keep our intestine clean by collecting and eliminating waste regularly. Fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Other benefits include optimizing sugar level and cholesterol level and regulating the blood pressure, reducing the risk of colon cancer, heart diseases, and increasing longevity. 
Increased energy
Raw diet make us feel alive and energetic, especially because these foods are in their natural state. High levels of energy can be obtained from living foods. When food is processed or cooked, the energy becomes less or gets destroyed. So, those who eat raw food benefit from the energy obtained, vitality levels and mental clarity. This energy thus influences our mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Alkaline diet
The raw food diet facilitates uptake and utilization of nutrients from the blood, enables the release of waste products from the cells thus maintaining the correct pH. Acidic pH causes renal and respiratory diseases.
Weight loss
Major weight loss and improved body composition can be seen in strict raw diet followers. This diet emphasis on whole, plant-based foods can result in lower calorie consumption and increased satiety, aiding in weight management.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in raw diet helps to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, removing carcinogens and free radicals from body and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers. 
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are plant based compounds, which are obtained from raw foods. These along with vitamins and minerals possess anti inflammatory, anti cancerous and anti oxidant properties. These also strengthen immune system, slow down the process of ageing and maintains good health of the human body.
Challenges with Raw Food Diet
Long term consumption of raw food diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B12, D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Some individual having sensitive digestive system may experience i.e gas, bloating.
Raw food if not properly washed or handled can cause food borne illnesses caused by bacteria . Potential toxicity can be seen due to naturally occurring toxins if not consumed in proper way. Goitrogens present in cruciferous vegetables can interfere with thyroid function. Lectins present in raw legumes can cause digestive disturbance.
The raw food diet can offer a range of health benefits, from improved digestion to increased energy. However, it requires careful planning to address potential nutritional gaps. By embracing this diet with thoughtful preparation, one can enjoy all the benefits, vitality and well-being.
Clinical registrar
Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar.
Mob.: 85560-11258