Raw Food Diet: Know All The Risk Factors And Benefits

Celebrities are famous for sticking to tough diets to keep themselves fit and in good shape. They often adopt various dietary practices, from embracing veganism and plant-based diets to quitting staples like rice and roti and even resorting to intermittent fasting. Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, known for her advocacy of body positivity, has always been particular about her dietary choices.

The Kahaani actress once revealed that she mostly eats home-cooked food, which does not include any sort of raw item. “My diet is home-cooked food, largely raw, and gluten-free,” she told Curly Tales. Vidya’s remarks come at a time when a lot of celebrities and health influencers promote the consumption of raw food to preserve its nutritional content.

Speaking of which, is following a diet without raw food good for your health? Scroll down to learn more.

Why Should You Avoid Raw Food?

1. There are certain food items that are healthier when cooked. For example, cooking red-coloured vegetables like tomatoes brings out lycopene and other carotenoids which help to strengthen the immune system, fight cancer cells, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Those relying on a raw food diet can also miss out on receiving essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
3. Another reason why one should avoid consuming raw food is that they get exposed to bacteria and viruses in contaminated food. In such cases, cooking vegetables and meats will help get rid of harmful bacteria and reduce other complications, such as food poisoning.
4. Cooking raw food can help break down complex proteins and fibre, making it easier to digest.
5. Pregnant women or those who have a sensitive digestive system should also avoid certain raw foods.

Benefits Of Raw Food

1. Many believe that following a raw food diet can help with weight loss as it eliminates the trans fats and saturated foods that are otherwise found in processed and pre-packaged foods.
2. A raw food diet can be a good source of energy, as it is said to be full of live enzymes, nutrients and vitamins that are easily digested by the human body.
3. Consuming raw food requires less fluid in the human body for digestion.
4. Studies also show that raw food can bring a number of positive health benefits, like maintaining good blood sugar levels and reducing hypertension, as it comprises unprocessed food.