Nutrition is the only science where two completely contradictory theories can both be correct. One study proves that dairy is health promoting while another proves it's detrimental; one experiment shows that meat is absolutely essential to one's health while another proves it can be harmful. How can this be?
Each person is created as a unique individual, and thus has highly individualized nutritional requirements. Our age, gender, constitution, lifestyle, activity level, metabolism, genetic background, and even blood type all influence the foods that will and won't nourish us. There's no one-size-fits-all diet, and truly, one's person food can be another person's poison.As it turns out, no dietary theory is correct when applied universally, and each can be correct when considered on an individual basis. Dairy may be beneficial for one person and indeed very detrimental to another; one person might feel weak and unnourished without meat, and another may feel energized and revitalized on a completely vegetarian diet.
This notion of bio-individuality is a core principle at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). The curriculum of IIN's Health Coach Training Program covers the pros and cons of over 100 different dietary theories, and Health Coaches are trained to help guide clients to discover which foods fulfill and nourish their unique nutritional requirements.
One theory that has received significant attention in recent years is the raw foods diet, the practice of eating uncooked and unprocessed foods. Most often the raw foods diet is vegan (eschewing all animal products) with a primary focus on raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, but there are raw foodists who also eat raw fish, raw meat, and dairy products that have not been pasteurized nor homogenized.
So what are the raw food benefits? Proponents believe that the process of cooking food destroys or chemically alters important enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients. Humans ate raw food for thousands of years, and our bodies adapted to getting the most out of uncooked fruits, vegetables, and grains. Eating food as close to its natural form as possible allows us absorb most of its nutritional content.
Enthusiasts insist that raw food benefits them by giving them incredible new levels of energy, health, and vitality. Celebrities such as Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson swear by it.
Additionally, and more controversially, some raw food health advocates also believe that bacteria and microorganisms found in raw food can help build a stronger immune system and populate the digestive tract with good gut flora. Critics argue that the presence of bacteria is exactly why humans started cooking food to begin with, and a raw foods diet can make one vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, especially if consuming raw meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Other critics argue that people following a raw foods diet are prone to nutritional deficiencies. A raw vegan diet can be low in protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and zinc, and calories. While people who want to lose weight might consider the low-calorie aspect a great perk, some fear that the raw foods diet is too restrictive. Those who follow a raw foods diet should be aware of these potential risks and consider taking nutritional supplements if necessary.
While a strict raw foods diet isn't for everyone, most people will definitely benefit from a diet that consists of unprocessed foods including lots of fruits and vegetables. Cooked or not, it's a great idea to start incorporating different types of new whole foods into your meals and find which ones make you feel your best
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