Raw+Foodism+and+Living+Foods

The only foods that are eaten are raw, preferably organic, have an alkaline composition, and haven't been processed whatsoever, except those that are sprouted or fermented

Cooking food above 40 degrees C, 104 degrees F is prohibited.

This type of diet is usually vegan. "food combining" is also practiced.

Objectives
-Promote the elimination of accumulated waste -Prevent certain dis-eases, heal them or relieve symptoms: cancers, arthritis, digestive problems, diabetes, cardiovascular dis-ease -Living healthier longer

Allowed Foods
-Raw or dried fruit -Unpastuerized honey -Raw or lactofermented vegetables -Sprouted legumes -Sprouted grains -Sprouted bread -Nut Milk -Raw or sprouted nuts or seeds -First cold pressed oils -Sprouted juice -Freeze dried vegetables -Seaweed

Mechanisms of Action
Preservations of enzymes that are generally in fruit, vegetables and sprouts, which are destroyed through cooking above 47.8 degrees C, 118 degrees F. When these enzymes are absent the digestive system must compensate. This weakens the internal organs and predisposes to allergies and many dis-eases (colic, acne, myopia, cancer)

Also prevents leukocytosis, where the body reacts to cooked foods that it considers foreign. This predisposes the body to infection from real bacteria.

Cooking partly destroys vitamins and enzymes and the longer they cook the more nutrients they lose. In some cases however it can increase the bioavailability of nutrients. For example, after 30 minutes of cooking tomatoes double their available lycopenes (antioxidants)

Raw foods however don't contain all the enzymes necessary for digestion.

In terms of digestive leukocytosis, raw foods do allow the body to focus on true immunological needs. Cooked foods that are properly digested properly also allow for this however.

Advantages
-Includes a wide variey of foods rich in dietary fibre and protein, which contribute to satiation. -No restrictions on quantity of food

Disadvantages
-Can compromise growth in the fetus, children, and adolescents due to insufficient calorie intake. -Vitamin B12 deficiency is probable, even with variation. Seaweed can provide B12 but not assimilated as easily as from animal sources. (Some bacteria are able to synthesize B12 and others of B-complex and K, hence the importance of intestinal flora)