IS THE RAW DIET THE RIGHT DIET?

“How do you know if the raw diet is right, when it is a relatively new 'diet', have any large groups of people lived on a raw food diet in the last century and lived a healthier existence? Where's the proof? Is there any statistical evidence to support this diet?

“What about those people that live to 90 and above on a cooked food diet?

“What do you say to that? How old do you expect you will live for?”

ANSWER:

You're bringing what I call a more “philosophical question”, so I'll be as honest as possible with you.

There has been a lot of research to prove that the healthiest diet is a plant-based diet. You can refer to the extensive research quoted by Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. Klaper, Dr. Barnard and many others. The best book to consider on the subject is called “Eat to Live” by Dr. Fuhrman and you can find it on Amazon.com. Another book to consider is the “China Study” by T. Colin Campbell.

There is not a lot of “statistical” that a completely raw vegan diet is the best, because as you aptly pointed out, there haven't been large groups of identifiable people following this diet.

Just in the raw-food movement alone, the difference of application in the diet are completely different! For example, a fruit-based raw food diet is completely different nutritionally than a fat-based raw food diet.

The truth is, we're pioneers. And true, pioneers have arrows in their backs. There isn't a lot of support for this diet because it flies in the face of the food pyramid!

But you can consider the following:

1- A mostly raw or all raw diet with sufficient calories is the most nutrient dense diet on the planet.

2- Eating mostly or only raw foods makes sense on many levels. Even mainstream nutritionists tell us that fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods. For a more in-depth discussion on the “philosophy” behind it, please read my book “The Raw Secrets.”

3- Just notice how you feel. Don't you feel better on a low-fat raw food diet compared to a mainstream diet?

4- Thousands of people are regaining their health and their lives with the raw food diet. Most people report extreme improvements in energy levels, mood, body fat levels, and health in general.

Yes, there are people who reach the age of 90 eating a mainstream diet. But you have to understand that diet isn't the only factor in longevity! Many factors are important, and include: genetic predispositions, stress, not overeating, a simple lifestyle and a general state of mind.

But if you think that you have a good chance of making it to 90 in good health on a Standard American Diet, consider this:

- Most people over the age of 40 take medications, and almost everybody over the age of 60 takes drugs and has some sort of degenerative disease.
- The cancer rates in this country are increasing every year, in spite of advances in medicine for the treatment.
- The new generation, which are children born from my generation, are sicker than any generation before. More children are or develop serious health problems in the first years of their lives than in my generation or the generation of my parents or grand-parents.
- Increased life-expectancy is a myth. My generation is sicker than my parent's generation and will likely live less long, and for the children of my generation it will be even worse.

I personally don't expect to live to be 100 or even 90. I'm not being pessimistic but realistic. I didn't inherit the strongest health and constitution, and I was raised on lots of junk food like most people.

But I'm 100% convinced that by taking care of my health I will live longer and stay healthier than if I kept eating a Standard American Diet. Who knows what would have happened to me, even by now!

Don't be a fool to think that your friends are doing just fine on a Standard American Diet. Almost everyone who eats a standard diet is more sick than they like to admit.

Here's the honest truth: the raw food diet and lifestyle can be a very healthy lifestyle. It won't guarantee that you'll live to be 100. It won't solve all of your problems. It won't make you 100% healthy, and it won't be always easy.

But if you give it a try and stop spending your time in doubt and fear, and actually do it, I believe your own experience with it will be the best proof to you that it works.