Interesting stuff from Wikipedia

However, archaeological evidence suggests that cooking pre-dates the anatomically modern human form.

showed that enzymes in uncooked foods are released in the mouth when vegetables are chewed. It is believed that these enzymes interact with other substances, notably the enzymes produced by the body itself, to aid the digestion process

Leslie Kenton's book, The New Raw Energy, in 1984 popularized food such as sprouts, seeds, and fresh vegetable juices, which have become staples in many different food cultures. The book brought together research into raw foodism and its support of health, citing examples such as the sprouted seed enriched diets of the long lived Himalayan Hunza people, as well as Max Gerson's claim of a raw juice-based cancer cure. The book advocates a diet of 75% raw food in order to prevent degenerative diseases, slow the effects of aging, provide enhanced energy, and boost emotional balance.

Freezing food is acceptable; some raw foodists choose to preserve nuts and seeds in a freezer. Although freezing decreases enzyme activity, the food is still raw.

The benefits of a raw food diet are said to include: a stable body mass index, clear skin, more energy, and minimising a range of common illnesses, from the flu to obesity-related illnesses.

Anthropologist Peter Lucas of George Washington University in Washington, DC, US, was reported in New Scientist magazine in 2005 as having the theory that man being the only mammal with chronic poor dentition^, and the only mammal to significantly process and cook his food, are causally linked. He believes that the adoption of food processing and cooking reduced the size of our jaw through evolutionary processes, but not the size of our teeth.

A study by the University of Toronto and another published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that ingesting cooked or pasteurized dairy products may increase risk of colon cancer. The increased risk is due to the effect of heating casein, a phosphoprotein found in dairy products.

Although research that provides a correlation between the health of an animal and the diet's proximity to vegan and raw food is essentially what is needed in order to show evidence of its impact, a large portion of the revenue brought in by a nation like the U.S. is from dairy and meat products, so the funding for this type of research may not meet the interests of today's money makers.

Some raw foodists claim that ingesting enzymes aids digestion in the mouth, stomach, and intestines.^{[citation needed]} The claim about stomach digestion, however, goes against well established knowledge regarding the biochemistry of enzymes. Enzymes are very sensitive to pH and their activity will be nullified outside a specific pH range.^[22] The digestive enzymes produced by the stomach are active in the low pH (2-4) of the stomach, whereas enzymes found in most foods will be most active at cellular pH (approximately 7).^[23]

However, some dietary enzymes such as bromelain and a protected form of SOD have been shown to be absorbed through the intestines and into the bloodstream.^{[citation needed]} Also, enzymes found in acidic plant foods, including many fruits, are active at low pH similar to that of the human stomach

A 2005 study has shown that a raw food vegetarian diet is associated with a lower bone density.^[31] This may not be a problem however, as new research appears to indicate that high bone density early in life is associated with osteoporosis, regardless of genetic variation

One study of raw veganism shows amenorrhea and underweightness in women,^[34] another one increased risk of dental erosion.^[35]

Some advocates of raw foodism claim that amenorrhea may be a normal condition of fertile women, and that indeed menstruation as most women experience is neither natural nor healthy, but a consequence of intoxication due to unnatural cooked diets

been doin some research

Well, I am in the last month of about 99% raw-ness. I leave off that last 1% for accidentally eaten cooked foods (like bottled lemon juice and twice eaten soy milk). So far I still just feel more tired than normal. Unless a large change occurs sometime this week, I think I will probably incorporate some cooked foods into my diet. This is because much of my research outside of the raw food world (which is the nutrition world) counters the very basic principles of raw-foodism (that the plant enzymes help digestion.) However, the one thing I can definitely give to raw food is that it has helped my acne on my face soo much! I think I might have a food allergy to dairy. I ate a small amount of yogurt a few days after I started on raw foods and although my skin was already clearing up that yogurt caused a breakout. So, I am planning to stay vegan for sure. I read that acne can often be caused by food allergies, and people just don't realize it because their acne is the only sign of the allergy. Therefore, I think I will slowly incorporate a few basic cooked foods such as rice, soup, tofu, soy milk, etc. IF I don't start seeing more energy etc. that raw foodism is supposed to give me.

I am a bit disappointed in this. Perhaps raw foods are more suited to some people and not everyone. I am just tired of being so low on energy. I like the philosophy that everyone is different in our nutrient needs and no one diet can be perfect for everyone. I am glad that I venture into new diets and experience what they are like. I think through this experimentation, I am creating the perfect diet for me as a unique individual.

As far as raw diet is going, I made it through Thanksgiving very well. The hardest part was answering all of my families questions and concerns. The only thing I cheated on was eating soy milk with my gRAWnola for breakfast. Granted that I did strongly want some of my grandmas oreo ring pudding cake thing, my cravings for cooked food that isn't sitting right in front of me have diminished.

I feel good that if I do stop being completely raw it isn't because I wasn't able to stop the cravings or that it was too hard, but that I don't feel good while on it and I think it isn't the best diet for me. Still waiting for that fuzzy feeling in my head to go away that has been with me since the first week on raw foods. I think it's like I constantly feel as if my blood sugar is low (like when I haven't eaten in a long time), but I don't think that is it because I have been eating enough and well.

One thing is for sure though, I will always love my green smoothies!

Notes to self:

from vita-mix website

To preserve its nutrients, spinach must not be simmered for more than 2-3 minutes. Kale, on the other hand, needs to steam for 6-8 minutes for maximum nutrient availability.

The longer a food is exposed to heat, the greater its nutrient loss. Being submersed in hot water (boiling) creates more nutrient loss than steaming (surrounding with steam rather than water) if all other factors are equal.

When a food is not cooked, the body depends much more heavily upon chewing to help prepare the vegetable for digestion. Cooking a vegetable, even for a very short period like one minute, can be a way of enhancing its digestibility.

The enzymes needed for proper digestion is supplied by our body, not by the food eaten. Our body has the ability to analyze the food and secrete the precise proportion and amount of enzyme needed for that particular food. We have to rely on the body’s genius to get just the right amount, not too much and not too little. Enzymes in plants are put there for the plants needs, not ours, but some plant enzymes do have nutritive benefits, not functional benefits. To fear eating a steamed vegetable, or vegetable/bean soup is entirely unfounded and without scientific support.

In matters of dietary reform, we would do well to carefully avoid extreme positions. Health reform can be brought into disrepute by extreme views, and that narrow ideas can bring injury to the cause of health reform. Health reform may actually become health “deform” when it is carried to extremes.

From the American Dietetic Association:

The “Raw Food Diet”

Raw foods provide fiber, which is important to our overall health. But is it really better to eat only raw foods?

The premise of the raw food diet is to cook foods below 160 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food enzymes intact so that the body can better absorb nutrients in the food. The problem with this theory is that the body already makes the enzymes needed to digest and absorb foods.

The raw foods diet encourages you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a definite nutritional plus. But there are real food safety risks. The diet calls for eating a variety of sprouts, many of which grow in environments that can promote harmful bacterial growth. And cooking foods below 160 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to food-borne illness.

As with any diet, when evaluating the “raw foods” approach, ask questions. If you think “This sounds too good to be true,” it probably is.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

Turkey day worries

Things are getting better and better. Except I think I am going to go broke if I keep going to Native Sun twice a week. I need to go to the flea market on the weekends (even if it's not organic, at least it is semi-local) then supplement that produce with Native Sun stuff. But as far as cravings and stuff, much better. I don't get as hungry at night and if so, I can usually eat a small piece of raw fruit pate cake stuff and then go to bed. I figured out why I have been tired during this time, 2 reasons: 1) it was the week before my period so of course I was going to be tired, duh, and 2) I read the section of 12 Steps to Raw Foods about detox and have many of the symptoms Victoria describes (mouth sores, fever, weakness.) I am now glad that I experienced these symptoms because Victoria writes that if one doesn't then it means their body is too weak to try to heal itself and get all of the toxins out. So, although I was feeling bad I am glad I stayed on raw foods because now I know it was just part of detox.

I am glad I read up to the step about living harmoniously with cooked food eaters. Thanksgiving is coming up and I am apprehensive not about being tempted to eat cooked food, but about talking about eating raw foods to my family or explaining about it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to go about explaining raw foods in a simple, quick no-argument way? I don't want to ruin Thanksgiving. Victoria's suggestion is to say, "I am glad you are concerned about me, but I feel fine and you can eat what's on your plate and I'll have mine." I think that is good. She also says not to pressure anyone in your family to go raw. Actually she says to just put that out there up front. When you tell them you're raw go ahead and say that you don't expect anything but support from them and that they can continue to enjoy their turkey and stuffing. I need to do some patching. I told my dad I thought he might like to read Green for Life. I don't want him to take it as pressure for him to go raw though. I guess I'll bring it and let him look at it, but if he doesn't seem interested, I'll just bring it home. I need to remember not to even ask them to try my food. But let them ask to try my food if they wish to.

So here's what it looks like is on the menu for my thanksgiving. I think it's going to be carrot pecan sunburger with candied yams and some kind of fruit pate. And of course salad veggies etc. I am just going to try to not get angry at my family if they give me a hard time for eating raw foods. Peace.

Cravings

I get the most cravings at night when I'm tired. It's definitely like an emotional craving rather than a tummy craving. It's thinking about a nice soft, warm rice dish or toast that gets me. I feel sad that I won't eat those foods again (at least in the near future). I just try to tell myself I'll be feeling much healthier soon from eating raw foods and pop a date in my mouth. (My current comfort food.) In my nutrition classes I've learned that one shouldn't use food as a reward or an emotional support. Yeah right, everyone does that. Even if it's something as innocent as a date. Maybe one shouldn't do that, but it's only natural I think.

I think I am going to a raw potluck tomorrow night. I am a little apprehensive because it looks like I am going alone and won't know anyone there. I will just have to put my best raw foot forward and hope that they like whatever dish I bring. I think I might try the coconut macaroons that I made for my raw potluck not too long ago. They were delicious. Wish me luck!

Veterans' Day

Oofh. Man, I was so good all day until my after-nap cravings just a minute ago. I’m writing just to remind myself never to do this again. Background info: I always get huge cravings for sweets and/or fats after I wake up from a nap. So I had the idea of eating a few dates to satisfy my sweet tooth. Innocent enough, right. I remembered Ian and Jenn’s pecan butter covered dates with a raspberry on top from the potluck. I thought I could substitute with some ingredients I have on hand: peanut butter (not raw, left over from before raw week) and coconut shreds. Should have known better than to trust myself opening the peanut butter jar during a craving. I ate right out of the jar. A lot. Now my stomach hurts. A lot. I can’t find the coconut shreds and I don’t even want to eat my peanut butter covered dates any more. Blah. Note to self: GIVE AWAY PEANUT BUTTER! IT IS DANGEROUS!

Other than that mishap, it was a good day. A relaxing Veterans-no school-no work day. I began the day with a spinach and banana green smoothie as I finished reading Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko. I loved green smoothies since the first time I had one. I think I first read about them on the internet. I’m going to make them more often now that I know how good they are for me. I always stuck to the old spinach and banana. It is so good though! I make everyone taste it. I got some good recipes from the book to try though. Hopefully they will measure up to spinach and banana. They had a section called “savory smoothies” which I am a bit leery of. They have things like avocado and tomatoes in them. Scary. Then I made enough raw hummus to last me all week. It was from Ian’s recipe in the V.E.G.A.N.S. cookbook. I hadn’t ever made hummus from zucchini before and I was pleasantly surprised. I dipped my veggies in it and had some cantaloupe with it for lunch. I think I am getting to the point where I don’t need a ton of food to last me throughout the day because I couldn’t even finish that small lunch. And, god those heavy spoonfuls of peanut butter really did me in. I think I’m going to go for a bike ride to try to lighten up my tummy. Bye!

Raw Winter?

Well, it has been a long time since I have written and likewise, a long time since I have tried to eat a lot of raw foods. Until last week. Daisy and I decided to do a raw week. It is going pretty well. I realized that cold turkey is the only way to go because before I would always just forget that I was supposed to be eating raw, and revert back to my regular diet. I am armed now with much more knowledge and support than I was over the summer. I know a lot more raw recipes too. So, I am telling myself that it's for a month, but trying to trick myself into just being a raw food eater. Maybe the time frame will help me to measure my progress. Makes sense to me. To my observations!

Avocados still make me gag. Day two or three I made guacamole and I was nauseated all day. But things are better now, except I think I have an ear infection. Is this part of the cleansing process? I haven't had an ear infection since I was like 4. I'm not sure that's what it is though.

I had a raw potluck last Friday night. It was such a success! Lots of good raw food and friends from all over the place. I got to talk to Ian and Jenn who are so knowledgeable about everything raw foods.

One would expect that trying to convert to raw foods over the holiday season would be difficult. I know it will be but I am sort of looking forward to being raw during this time to avoid eating all of that unhealthy holiday food. Besides, it's not like I can't have a taste of this and that. Another reason I am excited is because I will be around my family who I am always trying to get to be vegetarian. Maybe making them delicious raw dishes will help? I hope so. I think I could get my dad to read Green for Life or Raw Family (he read Raw Power, which I think probably isn't as interesting.) He has had a chronic throat irritation for the past about 5 or 6 years that the doctors keep calling reflux. But he doesn't have heartburn often at all. If raw food is really all it's cracked up to be, I'm sure it could heal him.