Raw Diet: The Power and Nutrition of Unprocessed Foods

A raw diet is a type of diet where individuals consume foods that are uncooked and unprocessed. The idea is to eat foods in their natural state to preserve their nutrients and enzymes, which can be lost during cooking. This diet often includes raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sometimes raw animal products like meat and dairy, though the latter is less common due to food safety concerns. Proponents believe it can improve health and vitality, while critics raise concerns about nutritional balance and safety.

The raw food movement has a rich history that traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its origins can be linked to the vegetarian and natural hygiene movements of the late 1800s. Influential figures like Sylvester Graham, known for creating the Graham cracker, promoted a diet focused on whole grains and fresh, raw foods.

The natural hygiene movement, which gained prominence in the early 20th century, further advanced these ideas. Led by proponents such as Herbert Shelton, it advocated for a diet consisting mainly of raw fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the body's natural healing abilities.