As the food radar continues to expand, people have broken away from the typical diet and created new ones. From the simple healthier diet to one that would help people lose weight. Among these are the South Beach diet, the Atkins diet, as well as veganism  and – a most unique one – the “raw foods” diet.

The Raw Foods Diet is almost self-explanatory – it contains unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, sprouts, grains, seeds, beans, dried fruit, and seaweed; everything in a raw or natural state. People consuming a raw foods diet eat all of the above, as well as drink freshly squeezed juices, purified water, and young coconut milk. The fruits and vegetables are preferably organic. Consumers of the raw food diet ultimately have to give up meat and dairy. Food cannot be cooked or processed at a temperature higher than 116 degrees Fahrenheit, as it is believed that cooking foods kills important nutrients as well as enzymes that help in digestion and absorption of foods. While this proves true in most cases, there are certain foods, such as tomatoes and carrots, which have a higher nutritional content when cooked.

There are benefits to the raw food diet. Studies show that with a diet in all raw foods, people had lower cholesterol and a higher vitamin A level, which helps protect against chronic diseases. This diet was also low in Trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and sugar, and high in fiber, potassium, and health-promoting nutrients found in raw fruits and vegetables called phytochemicals. Eating raw fruits and vegetables has also shown to reduce the risks of certain types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cooking foods kills off harmful bacteria. With nothing being cooked at temperatures higher than 116 degrees, some harmful bacteria may not be killed. The raw food diet also lacks vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is recommended that anyone on the raw food diet should eat foods that are fortified with these nutrients. Supplements are also highly recommended to get the needed amounts of vitamins and minerals.

So even thought there are benefits to the raw food diet it is not for everyone.