Raw foods are not processed or cooked
over temperatures of approximately 104°F (40°C) as this is the point at which enzymes start to break down (the temperature enzymes are destroyed varies for each food). Following
a living food lifestyle generally means that anything between 70-100% of diet
comes from uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds
Fats are also damaged by heat & light but the temperature at which this happens depends on how stable an oil is and what form it is in.
Although food
cooked above these temperatures still contains essential nutrients, the enzymes are destroyed and essential fats are altered which becomes stressful for our body to process.
So,
why does this matter?
Enzymes
are important as they affect crucial chemical processes in our bodies
including those which
provide energy and those which aid digestion. They are used up during
periods of illness, detox, physical exercise or emotional crises and our body's ability to produce them diminishes with age. We need to acquire enzymes from our food so it's important to include some raw food in our diet to prevent
ending up with an enzyme deficiency.
Essential Fats are
important in the normal functioning of all tissues in the body - they
contribute towards
weight loss, improve skin and joints, help to balance hormones and
improve mental clarity. Essential fats are found in cold-pressed oils,
nuts, seeds, veg, beans & algae. Apart from coconut, nearly all
fats are unstable once heated and produce free radicals (highly
reactive molecules) that cause damage to cells in the body. These can
be mopped up by anti-oxidants and enzymes which are mainly found in raw
fruit & veg.
Some raw foods are crammed full of goodness and can be referred to as nutrient dense living foods. Foods such as sprouted grains & pulses, wild flowers, fresh herbs, seaweeds and superfoods contain all the
essential components our bodies need in a form which can be absorbed
easily. Increasing the amount of nutrient-dense living foods we eat, will not only provide more
energy but will have a positive affect on our overall level of health.
Increasing
the amount of living
food in our diets can simply mean having a smoothie or juice in the
morning and eating more salad with meals. There's no need to splash
out on expensive kitchen equipment
or unusual ingredients to make quick and tasty dishes. If you do want
to experiment further then there are plenty of gadgets to choose from, workshops to try out and new
ingredients to taste.
How much raw food to aim for?
This is a good question and one which will depend on many factors including our physical constitution, current health picture, lifestyle and where we live. Ultimately, we need to listen to our own body and find a balance which works for us. Some people will feel comfortable following a high raw diet (approximately 75% or more) and others will feel happier simply eating more live foods. The climate we live in and the local food available will also play a large role in our diet. It's easier to eat more fresh live food in warm summer months but winter in the UK will often leave us craving hot comforting food so the ratio of cooked & uncooked foods may shift.
In Oriental medicine, the Five Element Theory suggests that too much sweet or raw food eaten during cold, wet seasons can create a damp environment in the body which can weaken the spleen & kidney energy. Unless you live in a hot sunny climate then it's a good idea to make sure that the food you eat is warm or contains warming spices such as ginger or chili. There are several symptoms and illnesses which indicate when there is cold or dampness in the body so if you are trying to overcome illness through diet, it is a good idea to get support from someone who has knowledge of the five elements and is able to advise you about foods to increase and decrease to prevent a healing crises.
Living foods to cleanse the body, mind & emotions
A diet high in living foods is extremely cleansing and will encourage cells to eliminate waste. Depending on the lifestyle, diet, thoughts and emotions we've experienced to date, we may find ourselves experiencing detox symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, tiredness, stomach upsets or emotional outbursts. This is also referred to as a healing crises and basically means we are eliminating toxic waste at a rate faster than our body can cope with. Some people may feel comfortable implementing radical changes to their diet and this is your personal choice. I recommend making gradual changes and seeking guidance from a Holistic Nutritionist or Naturopath who can suggest simple techniques to assist the elimination process.
Health Institutes using living foods as medicine
As living foods have such a healing effect on the body, there are several Health Institutes in America which support people with advanced stages of illness and have designed treatment programs to look after and monitor the health of visitors. Some of these are listed below:
- The Gerson Institute is based in San Diego and is dedicated to healing chronic and degenerative diseases. The program activates the body's own healing mechanism through the consumption of organic vegetarian foods, juices and detoxification techniques.
- Dr Gabriel Cousins, MD, is the founder of the Tree of Life Rejuvination Centre in Arizona where visitors can learn about the benefits of a live food diet. The Centre released a movie called Raw for 30 Days, which follows six people with Diabetes on a living food diet.
These institutes specialise in helping people who want to address chronic illnesses so if you feel you are currently in good health and simply want to give yourself a cleanse then why not consider giving your digestive system a rest now and again. One option is to try a 24 hour mono diet (eating or drinking one type of food such as apples, grapefruit or brown rice), veg juicing or simply drinking water (not suitable if any history of blood sugar imbalances). Any longer than 24 hours, it is advisable to seek further support. If you would like to try out a longer fast, either contact a Holistic Nutritionist for guidance or treat yourself to a retreat. There are loads of centres where you can register for a 3 or 7 day programmes, these are a few of my personal favourites:
The Sanctuary in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand set in the rocks next to the beach with a restaurant serving pre & post fasting dishes (wide selection of raw and cooked food for anyone not fasting). A wellness centre offering Nutritional support and a relaxing area to meet other people & share the detox experience.
The Spa Resorts in Thailand - fantastic restaurant providing raw meals to prepare for and end fast. I found the Spa Samui Village a lot more peaceful than the beach resort but that was my personal preference.
The Life Co Detox Centre in Bodrum, Turkey offer a selection of courses in a beautiful setting with supportive knowledegable staff making the process extremely enjoyable. High quality Spa facilities at reasonable prices.
Sura Detox Retreat in Totnes, Devon for people who prefer somewhere closer to home. I haven't visited this centre myself but have received glowing reports about the detox courses and nutritional talks
