Why Go Raw?
I have to plug a book i read recently with many delicious recipes,
and some very simple, and straight to the point reading. The book
is with no surprise, The complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw, by
Mark Reinfeld, Bo Rinaldo, & Jennifer Murray. Recently published in
2008, i found it inspiring, and highly recommend you read it, however
i have taken the time to jot down some Raw Food facts, and Why Go Raw
points from the book.

What are Raw Foods?
Raw foods are fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs that have not been cooked,and contain high levels of enzymes, vital nutrients, and phyto-nutrients which have shown some ability to protect against or delay the development of chronic diseases.
Raw foods are foods that have not been heated above 116 degrees F. Most raw foodists consider that temperature to be the threshold for enzyme activity in the food, where the food's enzymes are then destroyed.
Enzymes are the catalysts of all reactions in the human body. These enzymes can be used by the human body for everything from helping digest your food,to assisting in every function of life in the body.
In 1946 Dr Edward Howell published a compilation of more than 50 years of research on the importance of enzymes.
The title of the book is Enzyme Nutrition, concluding that the more enzyme potential in an organism, the longer the life span, emphasizing the importance of preserving enzymes for maximum health and longevity.
SO,...Why Go Raw?
1. Raw food is full of enzymes.
2. Raw food is full of vitamins, nutrients, phytominerals, protein, and minerals, such as calcium.
3. Raw food is high in water, and because it is not cooked, you get the moisture when consumed.
4. A raw food diet is naturally high in fiber, which helps to improve your health and lose weight.
5. Raw foods are very good sources of vitamins A,C,and E which function as antioxidants.
6. Recently the World Health Organization estimated through research that a low intake of fruits
and vegetables is associated with heart disease, cancer and stroke.
7. Following a vegetarian lifestyle is a great way to help the planet. Animals are fed more than 80
percent and 95% of the oats grown in United States.
8. Let food be thy medicine, let medicine be thy food.
9. Recent research from the book The China Study,by T.Colin Campbell linked results showing a marked
increase in the rates of disease in people who consume the higher protein found in animal products.
more info...
P.S.. Where do we get our Protein?
Protein is found in mostly all nuts, and seeds, dark leafy vegetables,such as spinach, kale, romaine
lettuce, peppers, garlic, apricots, peaches, currants, prunes, figs, dates,
and avacodos.Sprouted alfalfa, sunflower sprouts, quinoa, buckwheat, wheat berries, sprouted lentils,
and garbanzo beans. Protein is also found in spirulina, and chlorella which is one of the highest sources of protein in the world.
What about Calcium?
Calcium is an important mineral involved in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and is
optimally absorbed in the accompaniment of vitamin D ,and magnesium. Calcium is found in many raw
vegetables such as kale, arugula, dandelion greens, garlic, collard greens, watercress, and my favorite
added to salads, parsley. The list goes on with flax seed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts,
pistachios, macadamia nuts, fruit such as oranges, dates, limes, figs, persimmons, and berries.
Also dried fruits such as figs, apricots, prunes and dates, sprouted grains such as quinoa,and wheat
berries(wheat grass). Sea vegetables such as kelp, wasame, and kombu are also a source of calcium.
*Some vegetables contain calcium in high quantities, but the level of oxalate, & phytates present in
vegetables, such as spinach, beet greens, and swiss chard prevent the body from absorbing much of the
calcium.
How about Iron?
A wide range of raw foods contain iron. The iron from plant sources is harder to absorb because of the
presence of phytrates in the food. Absorption can be enhabced by consuming foods/drinks high in
Vitamin C at the same meal. Iron is found in spinach, broccoli, lettuce, jerusalem artichokes, swiss
chard, asparagus, green bell peppers, peanuts,pecans, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds,
sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lemons, limes, and persimmons.
That's all for now, hope this helps in making nourishing choices.