Raw vs Cooked

The “Raw Foods Movement” is based on a conscious approach to eating that will provide benefit to the body by giving it the best possible nutrition and helping it to eliminate regularly.

Vitamins and Minerals are damaged or destroyed at temperatures above 130 degrees. Micronutrients that are thought to help prevent cancer and other diseases are also a part of this mix. Eating lots of fresh, raw fruits, vegetables and greens, along with sprouted seeds, will increase the nutrient absorption in your body.

Enzymes are the most heat sensitive of all nutrients and are damaged or destroyed at temperatures above 118 degrees. Raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds contain the necessary enzymes to complete the digestion process. As we age, our body produces less of its own digestive enzymes, and more are required from the food that we eat. The body must work very hard to digest food without proper enzyme activity, using precious energy that could be used as other functions in the body.

Water is also a very important part of our nutrition. Our bodies are 70% water. Fruits and vegetables are rich in pure water. Keeping the body hydrated promotes good health.

Good fats, like avocado and flax oil, keep the body well oiled. Natural fats are very sensitive to heat. Cooked fats can cause blockage in the arteries and digestive tract, inhibit the absorption of nutrients and reduce the body’s ability to transport oxygen.

The majority of fresh Raw foods have necessary fiber to aid in good elimination.


Cooked and processed food, along with toxins and daily stress, leave the body too acidic. This can cause leaching of minerals from the bones and tissues in the body. The majority of Raw food helps keep the body in an alkaline state.

Some vegetables and greens, like broccoli and spinach actually release important nutrients when heated. It is my philosophy to add some blanched foods to your Raw selection as well. It is also important to take into consideration the climate that you live in. People that live in warmer climates have a much easier time taking in the majority of their food Raw. Those in colder climates need the warmth in their foods. We make conscious adjustments.