Now That's Raw!! 2: One Great Raw Deserves Another

Believe it or not, some readers asked if there was any difference between vegetarians and raw foodists. 

They have their similarities AND are different at the same time. 

We will attempt to break down the basic differences in the simplest terms available so that everyone has at least a clearer understanding of these culinary cultures.

Here we go!

🌱 Vegetarians vs. Raw Foodists: What’s the Difference?

Ever wondered if there's a difference between being vegetarian and following a raw food diet? The short answer—yes! But both lifestyles have one thing in common: a deep love for plants.

🥦 Vegetarian vs. Raw Foodist: Who Eats What?

A vegetarian skips meat, fish, and poultry, sticking to plant-based foods like veggies, grains, and legumes. Some enjoy dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others avoid all animal products altogether (vegans).

A raw foodist, on the other hand, takes things a step further. Their diet consists mostly of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods—think fresh fruits, raw veggies, nuts, seeds, and even seaweed. If it’s been heated above 118°F (48°C), it’s usually off the table.

🚫 Wait… No Steamed Broccoli?

That’s right! Raw foodists prefer their broccoli crunchy and straight from nature, while vegetarians have no problem steaming, sautéing, or even adding a little butter (gasp!).

Cooking does alter nutrients—some break down with heat, while others become more bioavailable:

steaming vegetables in a steel pan

🔥 Lost with heat:

• Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to high temperatures.

• B vitamins may leach into cooking water.

• Natural food enzymes are destroyed by heat.

🔥 Enhanced by cooking:

• Lycopene (found in tomatoes) becomes easier to absorb.

• Beta-carotene (in carrots and sweet potatoes) is better utilized by the body.

So, raw or cooked? A mix of both is probably your best bet!

🌿 The Health Perks of a Plant-Based Diet

Whether you lean toward raw or cooked, both diets come with serious health benefits:

✅ Heart health: Plant-based diets can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure.
✅ Weight balance: Eating more whole, plant-based foods can support weight management.
✅ Better digestion: All that fiber keeps your gut happy and things moving smoothly (if you know what we mean).
✅ Glowing skin: Antioxidants from fresh produce promote clear, radiant skin.
✅ Lower risk of chronic disease: A plant-heavy diet is linked to reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

🔥 Raw vs. Cooked: The Verdict

At the end of the day, both raw and cooked plant-based diets have their perks. Love the crunch of raw veggies? Go for it. Prefer a cozy bowl of roasted sweet potatoes? Enjoy! The key is balance—and making sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.

So, are you team raw or team roasted? Either way, your body will thank you for filling up on plants! 🌿✨

"Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"