Raw Foodism - Is it Safe?

Although it is not new, one of the fastest growing trends in lifestyle eating habits is Raw foodism. Also known as rawism, this lifestyle choice has gained popularity in the last five years. It is the practice of eating only uncooked foods. While it is certain there are many types of raw foodism, most advocates are strict vegetarians or vegans, which means they eat only plants (vegan) or plants with the addition of dairy products and/or eggs (vegetarian.) To be sure there are innumerable variations up and down the scale and there are a limited number of raw foodism adherents that are omnivorous (eating both plants and meat) and a few who will not eat cooked meat, but will cook vegetables.

Raw foodists claim that cooking destroys naturally present enzymes which are needed to regulate the metabolic functions of the body. It is a fact that heating food about 120 degrees F destroys many enzymes, but opponents of foodism claim that they are not necessary. In fact, the only study done on digestive health concerning raw foodism has been on cats with outcome showing that cats can only obtain the nutrients needed from raw foods.

Raw foodism proponents also believe that raw foods have a higher nutrient content, which is true. However some foods such as carrots make their nutrients more readily available to humans through cooking. Also, helpful micro-organisms are destroyed by cooking.

This combination of factors leads raw foodists to the belief that their eating habits give them increased energy, allow them to eat less, improves skin appearance, improves digestion, prevents obesity, and reduces risk of heart disease. Although people living with this choice do show signs that theses statements may be true, there has never been a scientific study to factually prove or disprove them.

Some studies have found that there may be certain detriments to eating only raw foods such as lower bone density, amenorrhea and underweightedness in women, and increased erosion of the teeth. Other studies indicate that some human serum levels are more favorable with raw foodism and increased plasma beta-carotene, as well as reduced symptoms of fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. But again, none of these studies are considered scientific fact, but only indicators of a possible correlation.

Some actual dangers of raw foodism are that some foods are simply toxic when not cooked, however these foods can be easily avoided. Some examples are: buckwheat greens, kidney beans and sprouts, rhubarb leaves, potato skins (and just under the skins.) Other dangers included dangerous bacteria that may be present especially in raw eggs, hamburger, and fish.

It has been said that people just beginning in raw foodism may undergo a detoxification process or breaking-in period that can last for several days, but soon after will disappear. Such symptoms are decreased energy, headaches, and nausea.

While many are living with the lifestyle of raw foodism and are healthy, thin, and full of energy, care must be taken in choosing which foods are eaten and that you are receiving the proper nutrients. It is a choice that continues to grow as people experiment with way to maintain or improve their health.