The benefits of raw food have gained increased attention from people across the nation over the few past decades. The reason is simple. As more people learn about the benefits of raw foods, they discover that raw foods retain vital enzymes that aid digestion and provide nutrients that may help fight chronic disease. While providing lots of nutrition, many raw foods are naturally low in calories, fat, and sodium, and are high in fiber.
Raw Foods Workshop!
Down to Earth Love Life! Team chefs will show how easy it is to create and enjoy delicious raw food at a Raw Foods Workshop that will be held at our Kapolei location, Monday June 9th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. You will learn the basics of raw foods preparation, shopping, label reading, and techniques like fermentation, sprouting and dehydrating. Students will receive a recipe book with over 20 recipes along with cooking demonstrations that show how simple it is to create their own raw food recipes at home. This class is perfect for those new to raw foods as well as long-term raw food enthusiasts who want to learn new recipes. The workshop is $50 and will be held at the Down to Earth Kapolei Community Room (inside the store) at 4460 Kapolei Parkway. Advance reservation is required due to limited space, and there is a 48 hour cancelation policy.
A Little About Raw Foods
Raw plant-foods are either uncooked or heated at temperatures below 118 degrees. Cooking food can destroy natural enzymes and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, folate, and B vitamins. Heating foods also destroys some phytonutrients that help protect against disease. The great news is that you don’t have to go on a strict raw foods diet to enjoy the benefits. Simply by adding more raw foods to your diet you will be enjoying fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Weight-loss is a bonus advantage to eating more raw foods as part of a balanced diet along with physical activity.
With its abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, summer is an excellent time to enjoy raw foods. Take advantage of this these fresh summer produce:
| Fruit | Vegetables |
|---|---|
| Mango | Green beans |
| Lychee | Onion |
| Guava | Spring Onion |
| Papaya | Bell & chile peppers |
| Peaches | Basil |
| Nectarines | Cilantro |
| Cherries | Beets |
| Strawberries, blackberries & raspberries | Tomato |
| Cantaloupe | Cucumber |
| Watermelon | Zucchini & other summer squash |
| Grapes | Eggplant |
| Plums | Chard, spinach, lettuce |