Incorporating raw super foods in your diet will help you maintain your weight, fight disease, and live longer. Plain and simple fruits and veggies can be used in a variety of delicious raw meals, plus they provide you with loads of nutrients. Here are some of the most vitamin-packed super foods sitting right in your kitchen that you can enjoy in a raw diet!
13 Raw Superfoods
Blueberries
Raw blueberries contain a higher nutrient content than those added to food or dessert. They have a low glycaemic index, stabilizing blood glucose levels. This is especially good for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. On top of this, blueberries are full of Vitamin C and fiber.
Quinoa
When following a raw diet, can you eat quinoa? Yes! You can use the sprouting technique to soften the grains and release their living enzymes. Quinoa is a source of complete protein, providing your body with all the amino acids that it can’t produce on its own. It’s also got B vitamins to boost your energy.
Tea
Although most teas are not considered a raw super food, making your own iced tea can be–and homemade iced teas have been found to contain more antioxidants than teas you buy at the store. Antioxidants can help to keep many diseases at bay!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains beneficial fats (called medium chain triglycerides) to keep your weight in check. One study found that women who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil daily for three months had less abdominal fat than those that did not.
Kale
This powerful veggie contains over 45 flavonoids, all contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in the body, so it’s great for alleviating conditions such as arthritis. Lacinato kale is particularly nutrient-dense, as you can tell by its darker pigments. However, make sure you don’t eat too much of it–raw cruciferous vegetables block iodine from being used in the body, which can lead to thyroid swelling.
Avocados
Avocados are really good for helping your skin look healthy and smooth. This is thanks to their antioxidant content which guards your skin against signs of aging from environmental damage.
Chia Seeds
These super seeds offer a complete protein, so you don’t have to mix them with other foods to benefit from them. They contain a mix of minerals and proteins which give you lots of energy that can help you get through your day.
Cauliflower
Yes, you can eat it raw! Cauliflower has many anti-cancer effects due to certain compounds that it contains. Indoles and isothiocyanates can prevent cancer growth in many organs, including the colon, liver, lung, stomach, bladder and breast.
Pumpkin
This colourful veggie is nutritionally-dense when raw, offering lots of Vitamin A. This crucial nutrient is important for the development of skeletal tissue, it keeps specialized tissues (such as those found in the retina) in good shape, and keeps the skin as well as the mucous membranes healthy.
Flaxseed
This is a fibre-rich food, containing both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre slows down how quickly your stomach is emptied, which can lower your blood glucose levels and help you stay fuller for longer. Insoluble fibre keeps your stool healthy, preventing constipation and hemorrhoids.
Acai Juice
The pulp of acai berries contains 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes! They are known as a superfood that helps to combat premature aging. Luckily, raw foodists can enjoy acai juice thanks to many different sources.
Walnuts
Walnuts are great for lowering cholesterol. They contain plant sterols that block cholesterol absorption, so they’re good for your arteries and heart.
Spinach
This leafy green contains beta-carotene that helps your immune system fight infections. Best of all, you gain most of its nutrients when your spinach is juiced! A delicious raw spinach health juice sounds like a great way to start the day.
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