Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Know The Difference Between Raw Food and Vegetarian Diet




Most people do not know the difference between raw food diet and vegetarian diet. In order to first know the difference among the two, we must first take a closer look on their similarities. True, a person who is on a strict raw food diet can be considered as a vegetarian. However, unlike a vegetarian who can eat cooked vegetables, a raw foodist only consumes foods that are uncooked and unprocessed. A vegetarian is a person who eats cooked and uncooked, processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables. A vegetarian can eat onion rings in a restaurant but a raw foodist can only eat raw fruits and vegetables and drink fruit juices. If you think it is hard for vegetarians to find something to eat, how much more for the raw foodist.


There are several different types of vegetarians – vegans, fruitarians, etc. – and a raw foodist is a type of vegetarianism. Unlike that of a vegetarian, a raw foodist can include sushi on their diet. As long as the food is not cooked and unprocessed. A vegetarian may eat steamed broccoli, however, a raw foodist only consumes it in its raw form. A vegetarian’s diet do not include meat, fish, or any kinds of animal product while a raw foodist – as mentioned above – can include it in its diet as long as it is in its raw form. Meaning, a person who is on a raw food diet is also considered a vegan who consumes uncooked, unprocessed raw foods.



Raw only?

If you are on a diet that only consumes foods that are at least 75% raw, or uncooked fruits and vegetables, then you are one of the many people who are on a raw food diet. Raw foods contain the necessary food enzymes that our body needs. As a matter of fact, raw foods have high levels of enzyme than that of cooked foods. Studies show that cooking foods (especially above 116°F) is can reduce the enzymes of the food.


Those who are on a raw food diet have a meticulous method in preparing their food such as sprouting seeds, grains and beans; soaking nuts and dried fruits; and extract juice from fruits and vegetables.


Consuming organic foods is the best way to have a healthy diet. Lots of supermarkets and grocery stores are now offering packed fruits and vegetables. As a matter of fact, more and more fruits and vegetable retailers have been popping up these days. It is now much easier purchase bags of fruits and vegetables.