It’s said you are what you eat and it makes great sense to find and eat food that keeps you in good health. Raw food does just that. While eating raw, you are choosing to give your body the goodness and vitality of earth. Raw food establishes a strong, nourishing link between you and nature.

Raw food is anything that has never been heated over 40-48°C (104–118°F) and not refined or processed in other ways. A raw food diet is usually vegetarian, with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds being the staples. Sprouted or soaked grains and legumes too are excellent raw food.

Why eat raw food?

A raw food diet lets you consume food in the most natural way. Compared to cooked food, raw food can be much more nutritious as they are not subjected to heat or any kind of processing. The heating process involved in cooking can destroy natural enzymes which are beneficial for the smooth working of bodily functions. Our bodies have their own supply of enzymes but the body will be greatly helped by the enzymes from the food we eat. High-temperature cooking will destroy heat-sensitive nutrients and can alter the bioavailability of other nutrients. Avoiding the cooking process also prevents chemical changes like browning of food.

Food elements that have undergone changes in their chemical composition are considered as ‘foreign/unnatural’ (xenobiotic elements) by our bodies. This triggers Xenobiotic metabolism where the liver gets busy in breaking down and processing these elements. Raw food frees our bodies from this process and reduces stress on the liver. Because of their natural makeup, raw food demands minimal energy from the body for digestion, preventing the body from overworking.

Also, eating a raw food diet clears you off from consuming processed food and the multitude of health risks associated with it.

Eating raw food has multiple health benefits

Raw food is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Since most raw food preparations are low in calories, fat, sodium and high in fibre, a raw food diet almost always leads to weight reduction. Losing weight and managing it can help with type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that being on a raw food diet can greatly lower body fat. A raw food diet also helps by preventing the chance of over-eating.

Being low in sodium, a raw food diet may help lower chances of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease. It also helps keep blood pressure in check.

Since the natural composition is retained, raw food communicates well with body’s internal haemostatic systems, like with the hormones Leptin and Ghrelin. Often called the ‘hunger hormone’, Ghrelin promotes appetite and readies the body for food intake. Leptin offers a counter-weight and inhibits hunger. Synergy between the two is hugely important for good health. Impaired sensitivities towards these hormones can lead to eating disorders and poor metabolism. Raw food lets these hormones work their natural effects efficiently.

It’s reported that raw food contains more brain-healthy micronutrients than found in cooked food. Raw fruit and vegetable intake was found to correlate with improved mental health, with lowered feelings of depression and stress.

Another major health benefit of raw food is the effect it has on body’s acid-alkaline balance. A body that is acidic cannot absorb enough oxygen into blood. This raises the chances of diseases like heart disease, arthritis, cancer and diabetes. The alkaline nature of raw food helps restore this balance thus preventing various diseases.

Raw food has excellent prebiotic and probiotic qualities. Prebiotics are food elements that promote growth of ‘good bacteria’ in the gut. Probiotics are these ‘good bacteria’ which have significant effect on GI tract health and which can also boost immunity and overall health. Raw, fermented foods are excellent probiotics and ingredients like garlic, onions, bananas are good prebiotics in their raw form. Prebiotics and probiotics together keep the gut microbiome in its perfect balance.

Some other positive effects of a raw food diet include more energy, clearer mind, sharper focus and an improved sense of well-being. Bodily functions running smooth lead to improved sleep, better skin health and improved bowel movements among other clearly-identifiable benefits.

Raw food preparation methods

In place of heat-based cooking and other food processing methods, raw food preparations include soaking, sprouting, dehydrating, blending, juicing and fermenting. These methods offer plenty of scope to create very healthy food that are delectable too. For example, dehydrated vegetables can have excellent flavours. Kimchi is a great example of a raw, fermented food. Sprouting and grinding grains and seeds can create a “flour” that can then be used to make substitutes of regular baked food items.

Raw food is an integral part of the Prakriti Shakti experience. Our culinary team has been consistently creating delightful raw food delicacies. A fully-raw spread of Kerala Sadya, Avocado Lemon Tart and Brownies are a few of our innovative raw food preparations.

Raw food lets you take in the spirit of life inherent in nature and to be in tune with it. It helps keep your digestive, metabolic and other systems running in good state, giving you better health and a strong sense of well-being.