Raw foodism

Dietary practice of eating only uncooked, unprocessed foods

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A variety of raw foods

A raw vegan dish

Beef tartare, a raw meat dish

Kefir, a fermented raw milk drink

Raw foodism, also known as rawism, is the dietary practice of eating only or mostly uncooked and unprocessed foods. Depending on the philosophy or type of raw foodism, the diet may include a variety of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains and legumes. Some adherents also consume raw animal products, such as raw milk, raw fish (e.g., sushi), and raw meat (e.g., steak tartare).

Types of Raw Foodism

Raw foodism can be categorized into several types based on the inclusion of animal products and the degree of food processing allowed:

• Raw Veganism: This is the most common form of raw foodism, where only plant-based foods are consumed. Raw vegans avoid all animal products and focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains.

• Raw Vegetarianism: Similar to raw veganism, but may include raw dairy products such as raw milk and cheese.

• Raw Omnivorism: Includes both plant-based foods and raw animal products, such as raw fish, meat, and eggs.

• Raw Carnivorism: Focuses primarily on raw animal products, often excluding plant-based foods.

Health Benefits and Risks

Proponents of raw foodism claim various health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, weight loss, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. They argue that cooking destroys essential nutrients and enzymes in food.

However, critics point out potential health risks, such as nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, calcium), foodborne illnesses from consuming raw animal products, and the difficulty of maintaining a balanced diet.

Preparation Techniques

Raw foodists use several techniques to prepare their meals without cooking, including:

• Blending: Creating smoothies and soups by blending raw ingredients.
• Dehydrating: Removing moisture from foods at low temperatures to preserve them.
• Sprouting: Germinating seeds, grains, and legumes to enhance their nutritional value.
• Fermenting: Using natural fermentation to create foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.

Cultural and Historical Context

The concept of raw foodism has roots in various cultural and historical contexts. Many traditional diets around the world include raw foods, such as sushi in Japan and ceviche in Latin America. The modern raw food movement gained popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by health and wellness trends.

Also see

• Veganism
• Vegetarianism
• Paleolithic diet
• Foodborne illness
• Nutritional deficiency