Raw Vegan Diet This diet eliminates all animal foods and anything cooked over 118 °F.
Pros: "Weight loss and improved health — most people who follow the plan consume only half the calories they would eat on a cooked diet," says nutritionist and holistic health coach Jennifer Silverman. She also notes that it's environmentally conscious, packed with natural enzymes and nutrients that help the body reach optimal health and that it encourages people to stay away from processed, microwaved, irradiated, genetically engineered foods. "With some foods, cooking above 118 degrees obliterates most of the vitamins, minerals and nearly all of the immune-boosting phytonutrients," she says.
Cons: "A raw vegan diet excludes important and essential nutrients found in healthful meats, seafood and eggs," says Zembroski. "The major cause of chronic health issues and disease is nutrient deficiency. By eliminating a healthful source of food like muscle tissue from animals, this diet lacks calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, folate and vitamin B12, which increases the risk of developing anemia, hormone imbalances and muscle atrophy." He goes on to note that a raw vegan diet can lead to bloating and gas, as cooking vegetables helps break them down for easier digestion. "Cooking vegetables also helps the release of nutrients like lycopene from tomatoes — so not all are better in a raw state," he adds.
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