The Benefits of a Raw Vegetable Diet
Few people entertain the prospect of a raw vegetable diet, and for good reason. Raw vegetables do not have an appealing taste, thus many people are likely to dismiss them. Most people opt for processed or cooked vegetables instead, which are considered to have a better flavor. While this may be true in some cases, their nutritional value does not measure up to that of raw vegetables.
If you are one of those people who balk at the thought of a raw vegetable diet, think again because based on studies raw vegetables have a higher nutritional value than cooked or processed ones.
Processed vegetables are normally changed from their natural state for purposes of safety. Processed foods have chemicals and preservatives, which are meant to increase their shelf life. This reduces their nutritional value. In the case of cooked vegetables, nutritionists claim that heat destroys the vitamins and minerals in them. Exposure to heat also denatures the vegetable enzymes, which are beneficial for metabolic processes in the body.
On the other hand, raw vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are rich in vitamins A, C and E, in addition to B-complex vitamins. They are also good sources of minerals such as calcium and potassium. Vitamin A is essential for one’s skin health and vision, and also boosts a person’s immunity against diseases. The B-complex vitamins play an important role in the production of red blood cells. Vitamin C on the other hand facilitates the production of collagen in the body, a fibrous protein which connects and supports body tissues. With regard to the minerals, potassium helps to regulate blood pressure, while calcium is vital for the health of your bones.
Another health benefit of a raw vegetable diet is that it is rich in fiber, which helps to reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Fiber is also very effective in preventing constipation. Raw vegetables also facilitate weight loss, due to their high fiber and water content. They have a low-calorie value, and aid in weight loss by satisfying hunger without increasing calorie intake. The more fiber you consume, the longer you will stay fuller, and the lesser calories you tend to take in.
Further, raw vegetables are known to increase blood sugar levels gradually, hence, rapid rise is prevented. A rapid rise in blood sugar levels usually leads to the rapid drop of the same, which usually causes hunger and fatigue. Raw vegetables can therefore help to reduce your bouts of hunger, which translates to weight loss.
Vegetables are known to be rich in anti-oxidants, raw veggies pack a lot of them than processed or cooked ones. Anti-oxidants promote a strong immune system and helps in the regeneration of cells. They have been found to prevent cancer, promote healthy skin and hair, and to delay aging.
It is probably unreasonable to expect of someone to take only raw vegetables. Cooked vegetables are still healthy and they are a lot better than a no vegetables diet. Try to have a good mix of raw and cooked vegetables in your diet.
If you want to take advantage of the nutritional and health benefits of raw vegetables, visit Ninja 1100 or Ninja kitchen system 1100 reviews and learn of ways to include them in your diet.
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