Definition: A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). “Raw foodists” believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body. Many people clarify that they eat a “high raw” or a certain percentage raw, such as “75% raw”. A few people include raw, unprocessed dairy products in their diet, but most follow a raw vegan diet. Proponents claim that there are many benefits to the diet, including weight loss, more energy, clear skin and improved overall health. The raw foods diet has seen an increase in popularity in recent years with raw food restaurants opening in several major cities. It still remains to be seen if this trend is here to stay or is merely another passing fad.
What do raw foodists eat?
A raw food diet includes all raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, fresh herbs and sea vegetables in their unprocessed, uncooked state. Raw foodists also drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices and some include some processed items such as cold pressed olive oils, raw nut butters, fermented foods, pure maple syrup and a type of raw soy sauce called nama shoyu. There is some debate as to whether certain items are in fact, truly raw, and many people prefer to exclude some processed foods from their diet, even though they may be raw. If you are preparing food for others, its best to err on the side of caution, and prepare a dish that you know is 100% raw, such as a salad or fruit dish.
See also: Easy Raw Foods Recipes
Types of Vegetarians
Like this article?
Sign up to receive free vegetarian and vegan recipes, resources and tips in a weekly email newsletter. Click here.
Also Known As: Raw foodism, living foods, raw vegan
