5 recipes that will change the way you look at raw food

Posted by Ashraf Booley on 29 October 2015

Share this story

5 recipes that will change the way you look at raw food — Back in the Stone Age, it was completely normal to eat most food raw. But these days most people find uncooked foods unpalatable. What’s all the fuss about?

Raw foodism is essentially a dietary practice in which people eat only uncooked (or foods cooked at low temperatures) and unprocessed foods, which could be anything from raw vegetables to raw meat and fish. It’s the return to eating food in its natural state, if you like.

The philosophy goes that cooking foods above a certain temperature can result in the destruction of enzymes that help us to digest our food. Raw foods are also believed to have a higher nutrient content, which is said to be lost in the cooking process. Interestingly, raw foodists also claim that raw foods contain gut flora, complex microorganisms in our digestive tract that play a role in metabolism, among other things. I could wax lyrical about the supposed goodness of raw foods, but as with any diet, it has its pitfalls.

Although incorporating raw foods into your diet has clear benefits, scientifically backed reports don’t always agree. Some scientists say it’s a misconception that cooking food destroys nutrients, claiming instead that it unlocks the nutrients that would otherwise be unavailable. So while eating raw has its nutritional benefits, the general consensus, as with any diet or indulgence, is that moderation is key.

If you’ve ever contemplated going raw, these five delicious recipes are a good place to start.

Raw artichoke slaw with wafu dressing

It’s hard to resist a good, crunchy slaw. This version with artichoke is a must-try, especially if you love soya sauce.
View the recipe here

Chilled raw carrot, orange and ginger soup

Yes, summer is coming – but you can still slurp up soups. This chilled carrot, orange and ginger soup is refreshing and bursting with flavour.
View the recipe here