Most of us think that human beings are designed to eat cooked food. Why? Because that’s the way we were taught to eat since the day we were born! However, recent studies have actually shown us that eating a part-Raw food diet is beneficial to our health.

Here’s how eating Raw may help you to achieve your health goals!

1. Raw foods are easier to digest

Contrary to what you may have been told your whole life, our bodies are naturally suited for raw food. Raw foods are easier to digest, compared to cooked food. Why is that so? Raw foods are rich in enzymes, which are the life force of food. Enzymes help us to digest and break down food quickly, into smaller and absorbable nutritional units. It was discovered that it’s not how much nutrients a certain food contains, but how much of the nutrients our bodies are able to absorb. The more the enzymes, the easier our bodies are able to digest food without taxing our system.

Cooking and over-cooking food cause live enzymes to die, hence, consuming these foods cause our body to work harder to produce enzymes for our bodies.

2. Raw foods reduce body acidity

Our blood is in balance at a pH of 7.365. However, most of our bodies are slightly acidic due to stress, environmental toxins and the food we eat. Diseases tend to develop faster and easier when the body environment is acidic, as an acidic body leads to a weakened immune system.

Raw fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods are alkaline-forming in the body. They are able to neutralize acidity and bring the body’s pH back into balance, which results in a stronger immune system.

3. Raw Foods reduces inflammation

Inflammation is said to be one of the major roots of health problems today. Inflammation is a natural response of the body once our immune system is under threat. Although certain amount of inflammation is good for the body (meaning that our body is doing its work, fighting off bacteria or foreign bodies), chronic inflammation can cause a breakdown of the human body system, weaken the immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections.

Raw, plant-based foods contain important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are great for reducing inflammation in the body.

4. Less likely to gain weight

As we grow older, our metabolism slows down. It may seem inevitable for us to gain weight. To prevent weight gain, we need to adjust our diet as we grow older.

Besides regular exercise, eating Raw foods is one of the most important methods to prevent weight gain. Raw foods contain plenty of fiber, nutrients and help to curb cravings for unhealthy food and lessen your appetite.

5. Optimize absorption of nutrients

There’s no need to eat a 100% raw diet. However, it is important to eat a part-raw diet to optimize nutrients intake in your body. Many vegetables get their phytonutrients destroyed quickly after being heated. Cooking nutrient-dense food tend to destabilize enzymes and destroy important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Vegetables that are best eaten raw:

• Nuts
• Onions
• Bell Peppers
• Seaweed
• Arugula
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Watercress
• Brussel Sprouts

However, it is also important to note that some vegetables are best eaten cooked, as heat is needed to break down their thick cell walls and release nutrients into our body.

Vegetables that are best to eaten cooked:

• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Pumpkin
• Squash

I hope this article helps you to learn about the benefits of a partially raw food diet. Incorporate raw foods into your diet today and watch how your body and appetite transform!