Being a Raw Foodist

A new friend of mine is a raw foodist. I had heard about this diet beforehand, however now through knowing someone who actively practices it, I have gained some great insight into this way of eating. T this is for you!
By definition, Raw foodism is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet.
The consumption of raw foods dates back to days before the invention of cooking with fire. It is also the universal practice amongst animal species. Those who follow this way of eating do it with the belief that raw foods contain enzymes which aid digestion, meaning that the body's own enzymes may work unimpeded in regulating the body's metabolic processes. They hold with the fact that heating food above 110 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit degrades or destroys these enzymes in food.
Raw foodists think that eating food without enzymes makes digestion more difficult, which could lead to toxicity in the body and cause excess consumption of food, obesity and chronic disease. This goes against the accepted medical definition of toxicity.
They also suggest that raw foods contain bacteria and other micro-organisms that affect the immune system and digestion by populating the digestive tract with gut flora. Those following this diet also believe that raw foods have higher nutrient values than foods which have been cooked. Though the practice seems to be beneficial to health, there has been a study that that a raw food vegetarian diet is associated with lower bone density. Also a study by the University of Toronto and another published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that ingesting cooked or pasteurized dairy products may increase risk of colon cancer.
Many foods in raw food diets are simple to prepare, such as fruits, salads, meat, and dairy. Other foods can require considerable advanced planning to prepare for eating. Rice and some other grains, for example, require sprouting or overnight soaking to become digestible. Many raw foodists believe it is best to soak nuts before eating them, in order to activate their enzymes. Preparation of more complex raw food recipes usually call for a blender, food processor, juicer, and dehydrator.
This type of eating does sound interesting. T told me today that the concept is more to eat food as a "fuel" source rather than as entertainment. Though she has made me think about up-ping the level of the fairly healthy diet I now have, I still couldn't imagine never having a a juicy steak on the BBQ again! I have to admit that T does have gorgeous skin, a wonderful complexion and looks so healthy. This way of eating may be for you, and maybe not. But it is interesting to learn about the various eating practices out there. It seems to be working well for T. But it isn't for everyone!
Thanks again for the wheatgrass and lemon juice, buddy! Be well.

source: http://www.living-foods.com; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_foodism
additional links: http://www.rawfoodlife.com; http://rawfoodnetwork.com; http://www.rawchef.com/