Nutrition is arguably one of, if not THE most important measure of health and longevity. Diet fads and obsession over the physical “look” of our bodies have overshadowed the importance of fueling the cells with the most nutrient dense foods on the planet…raw, whole foods!
No matter your dietary preferences, the facts remain the same. Research shows that plant foods, eaten in their most natural state, offer the highest quality of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants essential for health and longevity. There is a vast difference between living in survival mode and thriving with abundant energy!
Raw plant foods are easily digested and assimilated by the body. When we consume food that our body recognizes as usable fuel, we will feel energetic, and function optimally. Being diligent about consuming an abundance of raw plant foods (like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) will keep our body feeling amazing, and in the long run, can keep you from the debilitating diseases and dysfunctions that many people see in their lifetime.
Enzymes & pH
The digestion enzymes that are naturally occurring in raw plant foods give them life. They are life supporting. When we eat foods that have life, we are feeding our body life!
Living foods provide our cells with oxygen, and aid in digestion and assimilation. The pH level of food is also a very important aspect. Raw living foods are typically higher in alkalinity (pH scale) and keep the immune system functioning optimally. Living foods are loaded with disease fighting antioxidants, keeping our cells reproducing normally, and restoring DNA. Although our body produces enzymes to help digest the food we eat, consuming foods with the enzymes intact ensures that we aren’t depleting our own sources. Consuming enzyme rich foods is perhaps one of the greatest measures of prevention against illness, disease, and dysfunction!
Hydration
Hydration is another important factor for maintaining health. Water is essential to life. Without it, we wouldn’t exist. One of the purest and most hydrating forms of water is found in fruits and vegetables. Water is naturally occurring in plants and offers the co-factors necessary for hydration. Without the absorption of electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium), water itself, is not hydrating. Fruits and vegetables naturally have sufficient electrolytes and water to keep us hydrated. Of course, additional pure water is also important.
Emotions Effect Digestion
When we think of nutrition, many of us focus on what we are consuming. However, there are other aspects to consider. When we feel certain emotions such as stress, anger, fear, or frustration, the food we consume is not able to properly digest. Stress of any kind creates a flight or fight response, and chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol are produced. Our energy is then directed to our response, and not to our digestion. For this reason, it is always a good idea to consume food when we feel relaxed and calm.
Digestion and Detoxification
One of our body’s main functions is detoxification. Our body has a lot of responsibility. How well it does its job is a direct reflection of how well we choose to take care of it. Dietary choices play a critical role in our body’s ability to function properly and eliminate toxins. Our body is in a constate state of detoxification to keep us alive!
The process of digestion begins when you see or smell food. Your salivary glands begin excreting Ptyalin, a starch splitting enzyme. When we put food into our mouth, we are responsible for chewing to break the food down into smaller pieces. Taking the time to chew your food properly aids in digestion and assimilation.
Vibrational Frequency
Everything in the Universe vibrates and has a frequency. When food is measured for its vibrational frequency, plant foods in their most natural states create the highest vibration. When we consume high vibrating foods, we naturally vibrate higher as well. Processed foods high in sugar, saturated fats, and chemicals are some of the lowest vibrating foods. When we consume low vibrating foods, we will function lower. Positive thoughts and raw plant foods are two ways to raise our vibrationally frequency.
Create a Nutrition Plan
Being diligent about incorporating raw plant foods into our meals is a simple task. No matter our dietary preferences, simply adding fruits or vegetables to a meal is one of the easiest ways to ensure we are getting a source of proper nutrition. It goes without saying, the more raw, plant foods we consume, the healthier we will be!
