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(NaturalNews) A raw food diet is a healthy and nutritious natural way of eating. Followers of raw food diets finally have some support as to the health benefits, as mainstream studies have recently shown some considerable benefits associated with following a raw food diet.

Typically followers of a raw food diet consume at least 75% of their diet as uncooked and otherwise unprocessed plant based foods including but not limited to fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Nothing is to be heated above 115 degrees F in order to preserve the integrity of the enzymes associated with digestion and absorption. Dehydration of food is permissible but only if the process is kept below 115 degrees. Followers of a raw food diet claim that they have increased energy, weight loss, and overall better health.

Following a raw food diet has some definite benefits that can now be backed up through scientific research. For instance, according to a study found in The Journal of Nutrition following a raw food diet long-term can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Another study conducted by Dr. Luigi Fontana and his team found that followers of a raw food diet have low body mass index (BMI), high Vitamin D levels, low levels of C-reactive protein, and lower levels of IGF-1. Vitamin D level is important because it is closely related to bone strength. C-reactive protein is "an inflammatory molecule that is becoming linked with the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic disease," which means that a low level should indicate less risk. IGF-1 is "a growth factor linked to risk of breast and prostate cancer," which again means that a low level should indicate less risk.

A study on raw food diet followers conducted over a period of 2 years by Lenka J. Zajic (who holds a Masters in Vegan and Live Food Nutrition from the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Arizona) showed some interesting results in women especially. Zajic's study shows a marked improvement in women's menstrual cycles as well as a drop in overall stress levels and a decrease in the amount of sleep needed to feel well rested. Zajic claims that "There seems to be no question that, at least initially, eating a raw foods diet can reduce or cure many health complaints."

To conclude recent mainstream scientific studies have shown that following a raw foods diet can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases while aiding with maintaining a healthy weight, BMI, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and strong healthy bones.

(1) http://altmedicine.about.com/od/pop...
(2) http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content...
(3) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/diabetes/...
(4) http://www.iowasource.com/food/lenk...

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