11 Benefits of a Raw Food Diet + Recipes for Onion Rings and Onion Bread

A raw plant-based diet, which primarily consists of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains, can provide a multitude of benefits for the body and overall health. 

Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Raw fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that are crucial for optimal health. These nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
2. High in Fiber: A raw plant-based diet is typically high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting feelings of fullness.
3. Weight Management: Many people find that a raw plant-based diet can help with weight loss or weight management, as it tends to be lower in calories and high in nutrient density.
4. Improved Digestion: The high fiber content and the natural enzymes present in raw foods can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to better overall gut health.
5. Enhanced Energy Levels: Many individuals report increased energy levels when consuming a raw plant-based diet, likely due to the abundance of natural energy from fruits and vegetables.
6. Reduced Inflammation: Many raw plant foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
7. Better Skin Health: The vitamins, minerals, and hydration from raw fruits and vegetables can promote healthy skin. Antioxidants can help combat free radicals, leading to a more radiant complexion.
8. Detoxification: A raw plant-based diet can help the body detoxify by encouraging the elimination of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, allowing the body’s natural detoxification processes to function more effectively.
9. Increased Hydration: Many raw fruits and vegetables have high water content, contributing to overall hydration, which is important for various bodily functions, including skin health and digestion.
10. Mental Clarity and Mood Improvement: Some people find that a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods can improve mental clarity and mood, potentially due to stable blood sugar levels and a greater intake of nutrient-dense foods.
11. Sustainable and Ethical: A raw plant-based diet is not only beneficial for personal health but is also often considered more sustainable and ethical, as it typically requires fewer resources and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to diets high in animal products.

While a raw plant-based diet offers many benefits, it is important to ensure that it is well-balanced and includes a variety of foods to meet all nutritional needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can be beneficial, especially for those transitioning to this type of diet to ensure proper intake of nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

OHI’s Onion Rings Recipe

Yields 20 ounces

Ingredients

• 8 cups yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• For the sauce - blend the following ingredients in a Vitamix:
  • 1 cup soaked and sprouted quinoa seeds
  • 2 tablespoons tomato powder
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 8 ounces Rejuvelac

Instructions

Toss sliced onion rings with sauce. Coat well. Spread onto dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 105-degrees for 24 hours. Flip and dehydrate for 12-24 more hours.

OHI’s Onion Bread Recipe

Yields 45 ounces

Ingredients

• 4 cups yellow onions
• 1 cup soaked, then dehydrated sunflower seeds (hulled)
• 1 cup ground flax seeds
• 2 ribs of celery
• 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup of sauerkraut juice

Instructions

Process sunflower seeds in Vitamix until fine powder. Set aside in mixing bowl. Process onions, celery, and cilantro in food processor until small bits, but not mushy. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water. Spread mixture onto dehydrator trays and score into square pieces. Dehydrate at 105-degrees for 12 hours. Flip and dehydrate for 12 more hours.

Learn these and other healthy tips at Optimum Health Institute. OHI has two health & wellness retreat centers located in California and Texas. Give yourself the gift of a healing retreat at OHI and jumpstart your holistic healing journey.

Book your next visit to OHI today. Call OHI at (800) 588-0809 to learn more about our holistic approach to health and wellness.