Foods are raw when they are not cooked. Some foods, like bananas or lettuce are good to eat raw, and others, such as potatoes are better cooked. Some foods are good either raw or cooked.

Some people think it is healthier to eat raw food rather than cooked food, because the nutrients and vitamins are harmed when they are cooked.

Food safety

However, raw food can also be a problem. People eating only raw foods need time to adjust their diet, because cooked food are easier to digest. Also, raw food tend to contain more pesticides (for example in carrots).

Finally, raw food can make people sick because of germs. In some countries, it is better to cook food, or at least to clean it very well with clean water. It is also a good idea to wash vegetables with vinegar or lemon juice added to the water.

It is better for a woman not to eat raw food when she is pregnant, because some food can make her sick. Illness from raw food may cause premature delivery, miscarriage, the death of the child before it is born, and severe illness or death of the child after it is born.

One disease due to a harmful bacteria is called listeriosis and is caused by the Listeria germ.

To avoid the disease, it is best to keep food refrigerated, to avoid raw milk, cheese, or other products, as well as smoked fish. Mothers should only drink cooked milk.

Rohkost | Raw food diet | Raw-foodism | Witarianizm | Сыроедение | Elävä ravinto