Is Eating Raw Right or Wrong?

Asst. Dr. Murat Doğan continues his "There is Science in the Kitchen" series with his article on "Raw Nutrition" this month.

Asst. Dr. Murat Doğan;

First of all, I think it would be useful to start with what raw nutrition is. Raw nutrition is a movement or approach that started in the Western world, spread all over the world, and advocates a return to essence. This approach argues that even thousands of years ago, our ancestors were able to survive and remain healthy by eating raw food. However, let me say this from the beginning; You should consult your doctor and dietitian before starting your diet. Raw nutrition includes two different applications. One of them is radical and the other is a slightly softer application. In radical practice, the basic rule is to consume all our food raw. I think this application will bring many problems with it. In soft application, for example, vegetables can be consumed by heat treatment at 40-45°C (a kind of low-temperature cooking). At this point, I can say that this is the way of application that is more suitable for healthy eating principles.

What are the advantages of raw nutrition compared to other types?

If we apply raw nutrition for a short time, not for a long time, it can contribute to our health. For example, we decided to eat raw. I can say that it is beneficial to apply it gradually, rather than immediately, from today to tomorrow. So we can see the beneficial effects of this type of diet on health. The first of these can be beneficial for our body's detoxification (purification of poisons - detox). Let's imagine that we are an individual who eats an excessive protein diet. Especially in the detoxification process of our liver; For example, it is difficult to render toxic particles (nitrite, nitrate, etc.) coming from processed meat products non-toxic. By eating raw intermittently, we get our liver to rest in a way. In addition, we relax our kidneys. Even with other digestive support structures; we relax our teeth, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and entire intestinal system. However, we should also pay attention to the following; Let's not start the raw diet right away. Our digestive system does not have a mechanical structure. It is a special system with an organic structure.

For this reason, let's start by getting our system, that is, our body, accustomed to this situation when starting a raw diet. Otherwise, there will be undesirable results from the first week. These are abdominal bloating, indigestion, headaches, and the like.
 

Another important contribution of raw nutrition is that it allows us to consume fibrous foods in abundance. Fibrous foods (containing plenty of prebiotics) are essential nutrients for microbes (probiotics) that live with us in our intestinal system and contribute significantly to a healthy life.

We nurture and support them. They also help in many ways, from strengthening our immune system to reducing our allergic conditions. Apart from that, what are the other advantages... If we have excess weight, if we continue to consume excessive calories, a raw diet will come into play here and we will be prevented from taking extra calories.

Can humans be fed raw throughout their lives?

I can say with certainty that humans cannot be fed raw throughout their lives. This is very difficult to do. But not impossible, of course. There is a healthy eating pyramid that we all know. The amount of protein, carbohydrate, and fat that should be taken is indicated here. For example, protein is very important, especially for the elderly and children. Quality proteins are mostly found in animal foods. We can recommend nuts such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts, and soy products so that those who eat raw can get the protein they need. However, nuts such as walnuts and almonds can cause weight problems because they contain too much oil. In addition, eating a handful of walnuts or hazelnuts may not be enough to meet the protein needs. We may have to eat more. This inevitably leads to excess weight. We can always suggest; short-term raw eating is ok, but not to this whole life diet!

Can raw nutrition be used as a form of diet?

It can be used for short periods. In this way, we both get paid. We both lose weight. In addition, we are purified from toxins and rest our digestive organs, which are our vital organs.

What happens if the person switches to the old eating pattern after applying raw nutrition?

These transitions should not happen all at once. Sudden transitions in such radical diets will cause health problems. Best of all, the changes should spread over time, and transitions should be made within a few weeks. Thus, health problems will be prevented. In short, our system is not a mechanical machine. It is an organic system, so on-and-off transitions are very dangerous. I always think it should be practiced.

Asst. Dr. Murat Doğan continued in his article, "Is there a lack of vitamins in people who eat raw?", "Is it healthy to eat meat raw or marinate it with lemon, salt and olive oil?", "What should be the daily menu of a raw-eating individual?" He talked about his subjects and gave sample recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

We congratulate asst. Dr. Murat Doğan and wish his continued work.

You can find the full text of the article in the February issue of the Journal of Food Taste.