Implementing dietary changes could have health, environmental and economic benefits. A recent study found that reducing meat consumption would improve human health, greenhouse gas emissions, and create a significant reduction in healthcare costs.(1)
Raw foodists not only follow a vegan diet but also believe that fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are best when consumed in their raw form. One in five Americans get their raw vegetable intake from salads, but a raw foodist will consume a 75-100 percent raw diet.(2)
Study finds that reducing meat consumption improves human health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves on healthcare costs
Many people are curious to the benefits of a raw food diet. A 2009 study from Columbia University found that people who participate in a raw food diet experience increased quality of live. Researchers found that participants showed an 18.6 percent decrease in anxiety and a 16.4 percent decrease in perceived stress.(2)
Study finds that raw food diet improves quality of life
A recent study published in Iowa Source examined the dietary practices, attitudes, and experiences of both U.S and international participants who have been practicing a raw food diet for the last two years. The studies goals were to identify any positive or negative trends associated with the raw food diet.(3)
Researchers used a self-administered, descriptive online questionnaire for the survey. The survey gathered the participants personal information, their introduction to a raw food diet, diet and eating habits, physical health, weight fluctuations, women’s issues, mental/emotional/spiritual healthy, exercise and physical activity.(3)
Researchers gathered information from over 525 two or more year raw-foodists of various ages and nationalities. Results showed improvement in all areas that were examined, but the most notable improvements were in immunity, elimination, allergies, weight, chronic illness, and mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. (3)
Study finds that 68 percent of participants reported no chronic illness following transition to raw diet
Participants reported improvements in eczema, skin eruptions, dryness, and oiliness. Not only did the respondents notice improvement in their skin, they also noticed improvement in the health of their hair and in their eyesight.(3)
The most notable results showed that 68 percent of respondents reported no chronic illness after raw foods. This means that there was a significant reduction in illnesses such as chronic fatigue, candida, depression, anxiety, weak immune system, hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and heart conditions.(3)
If you are considering making the switch to a raw diet or are seeking ways to improve your health and heal your body, the raw food diet can offer improved health and potentially improve your overall quality of life as well.
Antonia is a science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition. She has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. Read more by Antonia here, and SUBSCRIBE!
Sources for this article include:
(1) Treehugger.com: Study reveals tremendous benefits of eating less meat, by Katherine Martinko
(2) Blogs.LCU.edu: Why You Should Be Eating More Raw Foods
(3) Iowa Source: Raw Food Diet Study, An Investigation of Over 500 People Who Have Eaten a Raw Food Diet for Over 2 Years, by Lenka J. Zajic
