The raw food movement, is it a popular diet or basic survival? At the beginning of human history all we knew was raw. It wasn’t until we discovered fire that our perception of food changed. In many countries people still eat a raw vegan diet but most of the world has slipped into the progression of hunger. The history of raw food living goes back thousands of years ago to ancient greek scholars such as Herodotus, the Essenes, Pythagoras, Plato and Socrates who all ate and encouraged a raw vegan diet. In the late 18th century, the monks and nuns of France and Germany were enforcing raw food eating and fasting to gain greater spiritual and physical health. This was inspiration to the aristocracy of Europe. By the late 19th century leader Arnold Ehret started his teachings on raw food living to the general public. By early 20th century his work gained recognition by innovative thinkers such as Paul Bragg and Ann Wigmore, who is founder of The Hippocrates Institute. Between 1920 1940 there was a huge raw food movement. Books and recipes were being published and the press labeled it as “the latest fad”. Ann Wigmore was particularly influential because of her innovative ideas in raw food living such as sprouting, wheat grass juice and the concept of “living foods”.
Eating a raw food diet is not only in our history but is necessary for our bodies to function healthy. Here are some ways a raw food diet can improve your health.
- Increased Energy- Better quality sleep and less hours of sleep.
- Weight Loss- Lipase and Protease are enzymes found abundantly in raw live foods that assist in weight management. Lipase helps your body with digestion, fat distribution, and fat burning.
- Better Immunity- Raw foods are rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
- Improved digestion- Raw foods have higher fiber content and enzymes that our bodies need to digest food.
- Clearer Skin
I believe the 80/20 rule is a great way to improve your health. 80% raw, 20% cooked. It’s strange how most grocery stores carry about 80% cooked (convenience foods) and 20%raw. I recommend going to farmers markets or growing your own garden to get the best quality raw foods and avoiding any major grocery stores.