Rawgust - what it is, how to celebrate it, how to follow it
Rawgust - what it is, how to celebrate it, how to follow it
Rawgust comes from the two words "raw" and "August." It started with a month-long celebration of eating raw foods, especially for pets. Rawgust encourages people to shift from their fast-paced, processed food-heavy lifestyles to a more natural, healthy diet.
The raw food movement was started by vegans, and it's a cross between raw diet and veganism. Eating more raw fruits and vegetables has some benefits. Let's talk about it.
Fewer calories: raw fruits and vegetables can be delicious and usually provide fewer calories than other foods. Fresh raw fruits also provide fewer calories than their cooked versions with add-ons, or in juice form.
Enzymes: raw fruits and vegetables provide enzymes that make digestion and absorption of nutrients more efficient.
You don't have to cook vegetables or fruits before consuming them. Have you ever tried sweet raw bell peppers? As the name says, they're sweet! Try them! Wash them well before eating them.
Many of the antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of vegetables are only available when consumed in raw form. For example, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of garlic are available when garlic is consumed in its raw form. Add it raw on top of meals and snacks for its increased benefits.
Raw vegetables help control blood sugars more efficiently. I had a preceptor that was a diabetes expert who preached the phrase "have a crunch with your lunch" to help stabilize blood sugars with a meal.
Raw fruits and vegetables, the crunch
Raw fruits and vegetables contain a variety of enzymes that are essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Some of the most important enzymes in raw vegetables include:
Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Protease: This enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Lipase: This enzyme breaks down fats into fatty acids.
Cellulase: This enzyme breaks down cellulose, a type of fiber found in plant cell walls.
Phytase: This enzyme helps break down phytates, compounds found in some plant foods that can block the absorption of nutrients.
The enzymes in raw vegetables are not destroyed by chewing, so they can start working to break down food as soon as it enters your mouth. This can help to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
In addition to the enzymes listed above, raw vegetables also contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. These compounds can help to support overall health and well-being.
Here are some of the raw vegetables that are highest in enzymes:
Papaya: Papaya is a good source of amylase, protease, papain, and lipase. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Mango: Mango is a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a good source of amylase, protease, bromelain, and cellulase. It is also a good source of vitamin C.
Apple: Apples are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Avocado: Avocados are a good source of lipase. They are also a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins K and C.
Carrots: Carrots are a good source of amylase, protease, and cellulase. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. It is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
Spinach: Spinach is a good source of amylase, protease, and cellulase. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
In addition to enzymes, raw nuts are also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Raw nuts and seeds
Here are some of the raw nuts that are highest in enzymes:
Almonds: Almonds are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of vitamin E and magnesium.
Walnuts: Walnuts are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Cashews: Cashews are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of copper and magnesium.
Pistachios: Pistachios are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium.
Pecans: Pecans are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of vitamin A and manganese.
Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of selenium.
Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of vitamin E and manganese.
Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts are a good source of amylase, protease, and lipase. They are also a good source of healthy fats and vitamin B1.
If you are looking to improve your digestion and absorption of nutrients, incorporating more raw vegetables and nuts into your diet is a great place to start. Choose a variety of raw vegetables and nuts to ensure you get a wide range of enzymes and other beneficial compounds.
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Words of caution:
It is important to note that some raw nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, contain amygdalin, which is a cyanogenic compound. Cyanogenic compounds can release cyanide when they are broken down in the body. However, the amount of cyanide released from raw nuts is typically very small and not harmful. However, if you have a health condition that makes you sensitive to cyanide, you should avoid eating raw nuts.
It is also important to note that raw nuts can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, storing raw nuts in a cool, dry place and washing them thoroughly before eating them is important.
More important points: avoid raw meat and meat products, seafood, fish, eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and other uncooked animal products. The raw food diet is for produce, nuts, and seeds. The raw food diet excludes animal products, but you don't want to stop eating cooked meat, fish, eggs, and dairy if you like and tolerate these foods well.
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My objective with this message is to bring you the benefits of eating raw produce, nuts, and seeds. Adding more of these foods will help you achieve better blood pressure, blood sugar control, and energy, among other health improvements.
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For pets: a raw diet can help to improve their overall health and well-being. Raw foods can help to reduce allergies, improve skin and coat health, and boost energy levels. Raw diets can also help to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases. If you are interested in trying Rawgust for your pet, talk to your veterinarian before starting your pet on a raw diet. Raw diets can be more expensive than processed foods and require more preparation time. However, the benefits of a raw diet can be worth the effort for many pet owners.
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Here are some tips for celebrating Rawgust (pets and humans):
Commit to eating more raw foods yourself.
Cook with fresh, whole ingredients instead of processed foods.
Visit your local farmers market or CSA to find fresh local produce.
Learn how to make your raw dog food or cat food.
Join a Rawgust challenge or support group.
Share your Rawgust journey on social media.
Let me know if you liked (or disliked) this message. I can improve the info based on your feedback. Therefore, your feedback is welcome!
Have a great, healthy (and crunchy) day,
Girlene
Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
