Raw veganism is the union between raw food and veganism, and consists of raw food. Find out what it is, how to follow it, what benefits and disadvantages it brings.
It is known of raw veganism, and consists of the doctrine or practice of the veganism (abstaining consumption or use of products of animal origin) with the crude feed; that is, with the consumption of raw edible foods.
Hence, this expression derives from the union of the words raw food and veganism, in turn finding synonymous expressions, such as raw veganism or raw veganism.
Everything evolves, even our way of eating. For this reason, for a short time we have known the green revolution, which is here to stay. Vegetarianism, veganism or meatless diets are not a passing fad, those who carry them define them as a means of change necessary for their own health and that of the environment.
The raw veganism is one of the feeding options that are emerging in recent years, after growth of vegetarian and vegan diets in our society. Those who carry it out and preach it consider that the more food is linked to nature, the better.
A raw vegan eats a 100% vegetable diet, in which the food is not cooked above 42 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature that can be reached when exposed to the sun.
What is raw veganism and what does it consist of?
Raw veganism comes from the union of two concepts: raw food, which is raw or raw and uncooked food, and veganism, which promotes a totally plant-based diet, excluding food from animals and their derivatives.
Raw vegans are also committed to the environment, for example many consume local vegetables, thus saving energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint that occurs with the importation of them.
Therefore, in this diet, foods that have chemicals or that produce toxins in our body are eliminated, such as:
- Those cooked above 42 °
- Those of animal origin, eggs, dairy products and their derivatives
- The packed and processed
- Refined foods like sugar, flour, and salt
- Transgenic
- Alcohol
While some think that these types of diets are limited and repetitive, they admit the opposite, saying yes to all cereals, legumes, vegetables and seeds, in addition to experimenting in the kitchen, so as not to get bored.
As the world changes, raw vegans invite people to inform themselves and know what is being eaten, how healthy animal meat can be and how negative the consumption of sugar in excess can be, even without knowing what it is. That is being ingested daily.
Raw veganism is gaining strength in a world in which the trend is to go towards the natural, focused on physical and spiritual balance. All those who follow this diet affirm that their diet provides them with all the necessary nutrients.
That is, it basically consists of the consumption of natural foods, which do not contain artificial additives and also have not been exposed to temperatures higher than those produced by the sun (that is, around 40 ºC approximately).
That is, a vegetarian diet is followed, based solely on the consumption of raw products, which have not been heated above 40-46 ºC (slightly warm) or cooked.
As we know, cooking food destroys the enzymes and other essential nutrients contained in it, and this is precisely one of the main concepts defended by followers of raw veganism. On the other hand, they also defend that the body assimilates certain foods much better when they are slightly warm, and that the enzymes in foods can even be activated by soaking them in water before consumption.
What do raw vegans eat?
The diet is reduced to everything that comes from the plant world: green leafy vegetables, vegetables, fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds and nuts. They eliminate potatoes and aubergines because they cannot be eaten raw.
Raw vegans affirm that in the plant world there are all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that our body needs, and that the benefits of this lifestyle are reflected in the state of mind, beyond health.
Asparagus, broccoli, celery, onion, aloe vera and legume sprouts are the most widely used products in this type of diet, which, although it does not allow food to be cooked, does allow it to be processed, beaten or blended.
Its disadvantages
Because it is a restrictive diet and without the contribution of food of animal origin, after a diet for life in this way, you can have deficiencies of vitamin B12 and iron, which are only obtained from foods of animal origin, as well as calcium deficiency.
If the diet is not varied, it can affect the level of good cholesterol, although it is a type of natural diet especially useful to help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. Also, people often suffer from headaches, nausea and anxiety, produced by the restriction of proteins and complex carbohydrates, in addition to generating symptoms such as fatigue and discouragement.
Generally, the recommendation is to have a multivitamin and consult a doctor or nutritionist before deciding to say yes to a raw vegan diet.
Helpful tips if you want to eat raw vegan
- The energy requirements of our body must be met, since raw veganism is a very satiating diet because it contains a lot of water and fiber, and perhaps the calories consumed daily are less, so it is therefore important to add calories and nutrients with the fruits dry.
- Vitamin B12 supplements are an excellent option if a person decides not to consume foods of animal origin.
- Through the consumption of legumes, these become the basis of the protein intake in plant-based diets.
Bottom line: Basic approaches to raw veganism
- Consumption of natural, ripe, fresh, whole and unrefined foods.
- Consumption of dehydrated food at temperatures not higher than those produced by the sun.
- The consumption of foods with a concentration of starch, such as potatoes and non-germinated cereals, is avoided.
- Balance between sweet fruits, fatty vegetables, vegetables and edible leafy greens with other kinds of foods, such as acidic fruits, legumes, fermented or cereal sprouts.
