Our body reacts differently to different foods and things. If someone is eating raw food, it does not mean that you should also start doing so without knowing, because it can harm you.
Shalini Pasi, who went viral after Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, is 49 years old. But looking at his skin and body, his age cannot be guessed. Shalini’s fitness and fashion statements are being followed a lot on social media. When Shalini was asked about fitness and diet in a podcast, she told that after having smoothie in the morning, she eats only raw food till 6 in the evening. Many people after hearing his statement will immediately start following it (raw foods for weight loss). But is raw food actually beneficial for health?
Our body reacts differently to different foods and things. If someone is eating raw food, it does not mean that you should also start doing so without knowing, because it can harm you. Eating raw food in limited quantities is considered safe, but if you are eating only raw food all day, be careful. To know about this in more depth, we spoke to Jaya Jyotsna, dietician, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi. So let us know, what is the expert’s opinion on this (raw foods for weight loss).
Know what dietician Jaya Jyotsna says about eating only raw food during the day (raw foods for weight loss)
1. Raw food can be beneficial to some extent
“If you eat only raw food till evening, then it is very important to keep some things in mind. Eating only raw food till evening can be beneficial to some extent, but it is necessary to take some precautions before adopting it for a long time. Raw foods, such as fruits, salads, sprouts, and fresh vegetables, are rich in nutrients and provide the body with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This improves digestion and can also help in weight loss.”
2. Some side effects of eating raw food can be seen on health.
“But, eating only raw food is not beneficial for everyone. Eating raw may cause gas, stomach pain or digestive problems for some people. Apart from this, the body needs protein, fat and carbohydrates, which are often available only through cooked food. Especially in winter, raw food is unable to provide warmth to the body, which causes discomfort.”
Read also
3. It is not important to eat raw food but a balanced diet
“For weight loss, not only raw food but also regular exercise along with a balanced diet is important. If you want to adopt this method, make sure that your diet is balanced and that your body’s needs are being met. You can include raw food in your diet as an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. But along with this, it is also very important to consume cooked food and sufficient liquid. Also, it is very important to consult your doctor or dietitian before adopting this diet.”
Raw food is not completely safe
- It is not completely safe to eat only raw food throughout the day. You can consume it in small quantities, but for this also you should know which food items are safe to eat raw.
- Prolonged consumption of raw foods can lead to deficiency of nutrients like calories, protein, vitamin b12 and vitamin D in the body.
- Apart from this, eating eggs, meat and other dairy products without cooking them can cause food poisoning due to the bacteria present in them. Due to which problems like stomach ache, vomiting etc. can bother you.
- Along with this, it can be difficult for the digestive system to digest raw foods compared to cooked foods, due to which digestive problems, especially constipation, can bother you.
- If you only eat raw food, you can only consume certain foods because it is not possible to eat all the food options raw.
First know which foods can be eaten raw
Broccoli
It contains an antioxidant called sulforaphane. Eating broccoli raw helps in getting adequate amount of this compound.
Beetroot
Root vegetable which contains vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium. Eating it raw provides many health benefits.
Onion
Vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, flavonoids and sulfuric compounds are present in it.
Tomato
It contains vitamin K and lycopene, which is an antioxidant, and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Capsicum
The quality of fiber is found in capsicum, which can help in digestion. You can eat them raw or cooked.
kale
Kale is a low-calorie vegetable, which contains vitamins and minerals. Eating raw kale provides Vitamin C, which can help in keeping your immunity strong.
Brussels Sprouts
It contains the same vitamins and minerals as broccoli, plus it contains a compound called kaempferol, which may reduce the risk of cell damage.
spinach
A green leafy vegetable containing vitamins C and E, fiber, enzymes and amino acids.
Know which foods should not be eaten raw in a balanced diet
eggs
Some eggs contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious illness. These bacteria die when eggs are cooked and eaten.
Chicken
Raw chicken, duck and goose may contain bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause foodborne illness. The CDC recommends cooking poultry to at least 165°F before consuming it.
Potato
Uncooked potatoes contain compounds that can cause many digestive problems.
raw brinjal
It contains solanine, which can cause stomach upset. Cooking eggplant neutralizes solanine.
mushroom
Mushrooms can harbor dangerous toxins or bacteria, so it is very important to boil or cook them before eating them.
Also read: Liquorice can control PCOS, know what are its benefits and the right way to use it