Page 5 - Jan Feb 2015

by Audrey Fontaine, Holistic Health Counselor
An Introduction to Raw Foods
January - February 2015 The Wave 5
Walk into any health food store these days and you will
see a plethora of books on raw foods along with a grocery section dedicated to raw kale chips, cookies, crackers, snack bars, etc. here is good reason why raw foods have become so popular (I would almost call it a movement)! Food that is freshly picked from the ground, being as close to nature as possible is the most healthful food on the planet. With that said, I do believe that the organic produce department in your local health food store (or farmer’s market, CSA) is where the ideal source of raw food exists (as opposed to the above mentioned snack foods).
he main reason raw foods are so health promoting is that they contain enzymes to help you digest your food (if an item is heated above 118 degrees all enzymes are destroyed), and fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with phytonutri- ents. hey also have a high water content which keeps one from becoming dehydrated. Raw foods promote increased energy, mental clarity and better focus. Studies show that eating raw vs. cooked vegetables reduces the risk of many types of cancer, including gastrointestinal, oral, esophageal and others.* Eating raw cruciferous vegetables (brocco-
li, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale) reduces the risk of bladder cancer by about 66% more than when eating their cooked counterparts.
Most people adhering to a raw food diet are vegan (con- suming nothing from animal sources, thus excluding meat, chicken, ish, eggs and dairy products). he main source of protein in a raw food diet comes from nuts and seeds (the most popular being almonds, walnuts, sunlower and pumpkin seeds). Roasted nuts and seeds actually form a carcinogenic property (acrylamides), creating free radicals which also contribute to arterial plaque and cardiovascular disease. All vegetables also contain protein, so it is a myth that it can only be obtained through animal sources.
Chia, hemp and lax seeds are great sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Chia in particular is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, antioxidants and iber. Sesame seeds are very high in calcium, as are the dark leafy greens (in fact the calcium source in dairy products comes as a result of the
cow eating greens, so why not avoid the “middleman” and eat the calcium rich greens directly?). Dairy products can be substituted for by blending nuts with other ingredi- ents depending on the desired outcome (milks, cheeses, yogurts and ice creams are all possible).
Most processed foods are stripped of nutrients and therefore need to be “fortiied” with artiicial vitamins and minerals, and also contain chemical preservatives. For example Himalayan or Celtic sea salts are raw and contain over 80 essential minerals, whereas typical table salt is heated to high temperatures, bleached and treated with chemicals. By eating raw foods which are unprocessed, you are able to avoid artiicial ingredients and preserva- tives while beneiting your health substantially.
A common misconception however is that someone needs to eat 100% raw or vegan if they choose the raw food path, yet the current trend in the movement is to be “high raw”. his translates to including between 50-100% of raw foods in your daily routine. If you consciously include at least 50% with each meal, the raw foods will provide digestive enzymes which will help you metabolize the cooked foods.
I do hope you will incorporate more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts into your daily routine, and that you realize great beneits through improved energy, mood and health.
Audrey Fontaine is a Certiied Holistic Health Counselor providing support for individuals and groups in creating happier, healthier lives through proper nutrition and lifestyle balancing. She is passionate about helping people to achieve optimum health and their ideal weight. Au- drey is educated through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (www.in- tegrativenutrition.com), and certiied through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She is happy to ofer
a complimentary one-hour consultation to re- view your health history and help you establish personalized goals. Sessions are available in person (Sonoma County), over the telephone or via Skype anywhere in the world. You may contact Audrey at (831)521-8864 or audrey@ audreyfontaine.com, and learn more about her approach at www.audreyfontaine.net.
*Source: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/con- tent/13/9/1422.full