The human body is a complex system. To function the body needs a constant supply of nutrients. What are the building blocks that our bodies need to fuel these metabolic processes? Enzymes, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients,essential fats, protein and fibre. These nutrients are involved in the growth, repair and maintenance of the body. Many of these nutrients come from fresh, raw fruit & veggies.[line]
Enzymes
We need enzymes to digest food. Enzymes are the living proteins that direct the life force into our biochemical and metabolic processes. They help transform and store energy, make active hormones, dissolve fibre and prevent clotting. They are anti-inflammatory. Enzymes help balance and restore the immune system and heal disease. Enzymes help repair our DNA and our RNA. When we cook food, we destroy many of the enzymes that help us naturally digest food. By cooking our food, we are killing nutrients that keep us alive and healthy.
Enzymes are combinations of proteins, vitamins, and minerals in an active molecular form. Chemists are able to synthesize some of these nutrients, but they have not been able to “breathe life” into them. The “life factor” has never been and probably never will be re-created.[line]
Vitamins
Without vitamins our cells would not function properly. This would impact the organs ability to function properly. They are not called vital organs for nothing. Without them are unable to survive. Vitamins help regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue. Guess what happens when you cook food? You got it, a large percentage of the vitamins are destroyed.
Viktoras Kulvinskas in his book, Survival into the 21st Century, estimates that the overall nutrient destruction is as high as 80%. Tests have shown that we will lose 50% of the B vitamins, while B1 and B12 can lose up to 96%. 97% of folic acid is destroyed as well as 70-80 % of vitamin C.[line]
Minerals
Seventeen of the thirty elements known to be essential to life are metals. Mineral deficiencies cause disease in humans. Minerals also have a synergistic relationship with vitamins. They help each other help us. When foods are cooked, many of the minerals are destroyed, or altered, rendering them inert. [line]
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are what give fruits and vegetables their color. Phytonutrients protect the body and fight disease. They also fight cancer and help your heart. The brighter the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more nutrient combatants it has to prevent degenerative diseases. Phytonutrients are at the leading edge of research on nutrition. They provide medicine for cellular health. Phytonutrients in freshly harvested plant foods can be removed or destroyed by cooking.
“Food sustains us. Yet, what we eat can put us at risk for developing several of the leading causes of death notably, coronary heart disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and some types of cancer. These disorders together now account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in the United States.” Former Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop. The numbers are similar for Canadians. As we become mindful of what we eat, we can start to make choices that promote health over illness. What happens if we learn how to satisfy our pleasure receptors with healthy food? Our lives improve.
So why eat raw? It just starts to make sense. If cooking destroys the vital and essential nutrients that we need to stay healthy, eating our food raw does the opposite. It provides us with what we need for our health and well being. I know from experience that when I am eating at least 80% raw I have more energy, more mental focus, and all of the pesky things that irritate me on a daily basis, like my daily aches and pains dissipate. I also know that I am feeding my body what it needs to thrive, not just survive. If like most people you have trouble eating the 7- 13 portions of fruit and veggies a day recommended by the Canadian Food Guide I have an excellent solution for you. Check out my Juiceplus website at www.lmfitness.ca. Enjoy and be radiantly healthy.
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