Raw food diet: here's what you need to know before starting

Raw food diet involves consuming mainly uncooked and unprocessed food. It typically includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, and some types of dairy and fish. The diet promotes the belief that raw food is more nutritious because cooking can destroy enzymes and certain nutrients.

Potential benefits of raw food diet

• Raw food is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytonutrients
• It promotes digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels and helps maintain a healthy weight
• It protects against chronic diseases and supports overall health
• It can help reduce stress and energise your mind and body

Potential drawbacks of raw food diet

• Experiencing digestive discomfort, bloating or gas is common due to increased fibre intake.
• Raw food can carry harmful bacteria or parasites that are typically destroyed on cooking.
• It's better to avoid raw food in monsoons when bacterial and viral infections are at their peak.
• Raw food diet may lack certain nutrients like vitamin B-12, iron and calcium.

However, it's advisable to consult a dietitian or healthcare professional to ensure that your nutritional needs are adequately met.

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