Time and time again, nutritional experts stress the significance of incorporating raw and unprocessed natural foods into your diet for maintaining optimal health. While it’s common knowledge that they contribute to overall well-being, the pivotal role these foods play may not be entirely clear. In this article, we explore a body of research by two nutritional pioneers that sheds light on the vital importance of raw, unprocessed foods for your health.
Dr. Weston A. Price:
Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist in the early 1900s, made a remarkable discovery after extensive research that took him around the world to study the eating habits of indigenous populations. He found a direct correlation between the introduction of processed foods into a culture and the deterioration of general health.
Dr. Price believed that teeth were windows into our bodies, much like the eyes are considered windows to the soul. By examining the state of an individual’s teeth and correlating it with their diet, he could make informed judgments about their overall health.
Individuals with cavities and poor dental health often consumed diets largely comprised of refined, processed foods. In contrast, those with strong, healthy teeth frequently exhibited good general health and consumed diets rich in raw foods.
The Meat Study:
Another early nutritionist, Dr. Francis Pottenger, Jr., conducted a ten-year study on cats that culminated in a report known as the “Meat Study.” His research revealed that cats fed a diet of 30% raw and 70% cooked meat struggled to maintain good health. Those with a diet consisting of 50% raw and 50% cooked meat managed to get by, but those fed a diet of 100% raw meat thrived and experienced robust health. Like Dr. Price, Dr. Pottenger established a clear connection between diets rich in cooked, refined foods and skeletal deformities.
Key Takeaways:
Both bodies of research emphasize a simple point: a diet high in processed, refined foods leads to a deficiency in the essential nutrients found in raw foods. The more we replace nutrient-rich raw, unprocessed foods with processed alternatives, the greater the risk of developing conditions such as cavities, skeletal deformities, and osteoporosis.
Preventing Skeletal Deformities:
So, what can you do to increase your chances of avoiding skeletal deformities and maintaining good health?
- Incorporate more raw foods into your diet. Aim for at least one-third of your diet to come from raw food sources.
- Focus on consuming locally grown, seasonal foods and minimizing processed foods.
- Try to include more fermented foods like vinegar, sauerkraut, kefir, and cultured vegetables in your diet. Fermented foods are rich in enzymes that aid in the digestion of processed foods.
- Consume healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fats from animal sources, and reduce the intake of omega-6 fats commonly found in vegetable oils.
Raw Food Sources:
- Eggs: Calories: 149, Protein: 34%, Carbs: 3%, Fat: 61%
- Chicken: Calories: 110, Protein: 84%, Carbs: 0%, Fat: 10%
- Chicken Breast: Calories: 172, Protein: 48%, Carbs: 0%, Fat: 48%
- Apples: Calories: 59, Protein: 1%, Carbs: 103%, Fat: 5%
- Broccoli: Calories: 28, Protein: 43%, Carbs: 75%, Fat: 11%
- Mushrooms: Calories: 25, Protein: 46%, Carbs: 65%, Fat: 12%
By following these principles and emphasizing raw, unprocessed foods in your diet, you can take a significant step toward better health and overall well-being.
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