Raw Food Diet -- Extremely Healthy or Just Extreme?

The newest trend in eating is a raw food only diet. How healthy is it?

by Bridget Nelson Monroe

From Reader's Digest

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John Blais

Eating raw veggies at least three times a month may cut your risk of bladder cancer by about 40%.

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Video: Raw Food Diet

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John Blais

Eating raw veggies at least three times a month may cut your risk of bladder cancer by about 40%.

And the diet leaves out a lot of foods ... A balanced diet includes raw and cooked foods.

Severe diets are making headlines, claiming to reverse diabetes and cut heart disease risk.

In the upcoming documentary Raw for 30 Days, six diabetics eat a vegan, organic diet of uncooked nuts, seeds and veggies. By the end, all have gone off insulin and most have lost about 25 pounds.

A raw-food diet consists of mostly plant-based foods that aren't heated above 115 degrees or so. Proponents say it helps ease many conditions, from migraines to arthritis.

But it's hard-core. "And the diet leaves out a lot of foods," says Andrea Giancoli of the American Dietetic Association. "A balanced diet includes raw and cooked foods."

Another trendy plan: no food at all. In a study, people who fasted one day a month had lower rates of heart disease. Fasting may give a rest to cells constantly exposed to glucose.

Both diets look promising but are tough to stay with. Until research confirms the findings, your best bet is a healthy, diverse diet that you can stick to for life.

From Reader's Digest - February 2008

Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

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In my opinion, it's very important to eat a raw food diet. Someone who eats lots of raw, uncooked foods will be healthier than some one who doesn't.

By bretdriver247, on 08/15/2009

I am just learning about raw food diets. I would imagine that they would be very effective for someone who is trying to lower their blood sugar. What is A Normal Blood Glucose Level

By Sam, on 08/03/2009

Raw Food is good for you. I have been on a raw food diet (called the palaeto diet) for over 4 years and i feel great. Raw dairy (milk, cheese, cream, etc.) is especially good for you because it contains natural undenatured protein with the right portion of raw fat to facilitate protein absorption. Get the book "We Want to Live" to really appreciate this diet. William Shane Kelly

By William Shane Kelly, on 07/31/2009

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