6 Best Raw Foods For Your Diet

Most of us cringe when we think about raw foods, but some of the best raw foods lend a huge helping hand in achieving dietary goals. Cooked vegetables are a good addition to your meal management bag, but cooking certain vegetables actually damages nutritional value. Going raw with some foods offers a number of benefits, including the potential to increase your energy production and mental clarity, prevent overeating, increase digestive regularity, and improve complexion. Selecting a raw food option at each meal instead of its cooked compatriot can make a difference in the way you look, feel, and perform. Dig into some of the best raw foods you should add to your diet.

Celery

Known as a superfood in the raw food world, celery lives up to its name. Containing just 10 calories, raw celery is one of the best raw foods for those looking to lose weight. It absorbs water in the digestive system, which makes you feel full longer. Celery is also known to reduce inflammation in symptoms such as joint pain, lung infections, asthma or acne. The high water and fiber content in celery helps to aid digestion and lower blood pressure.

Chia Seeds

Just like celery, chia seeds are known for their ability to absorb water in the digestive system, thereby creating longer lasting fullness. If you're looking to add more omega 3s to your diet, look no further: chia seeds have even more than flax seeds! Chia seeds are one of the best raw foods if you need plant-based sources of protein, which have grown in popularity for their health-affirming properties. Some of these include reducing cholesterol, providing protection against cancer, and lowering your risk for heart disease.

Leafy Greens

Raw leafy greens are filled with the vitamins C and E, fiber, enzymes, amino acids and the powerful antioxidant chlorophyll. Leafy choices like kale, chard, collards, and spinach are the best raw foods if you're looking to go green. These veggies also contain vitamin K and aid with preventing certain age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, bone fragility, and kidney calcification. Enhance your workday diet by adding leafy greens to your lunch in your gym backpack, gym tote, or duffle bag and never cheat yourself during your workday again.

Blueberries

These little fruits pack more antioxidants than any other fruit. They taste great and are an easy snack to add to your meal management bag. It is suggested that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Coming in as one of the best raw foods in the fruit department, the high concentration of antioxidants in blueberries makes them a great food to boost your immune system and prevent infections. Make sure to choose blueberries that are firm and have a uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom.

Almonds

Most dieters are afraid of foods high in fat, but what they miss is that the best raw foods contain plenty of healthy fats. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the health-promoting kind that has been linked to reducing risk of heart disease. Just a quarter-cup of almonds contains 62 mg of magnesium and 162 mg of potassium. When the body has enough magnesium, veins and arteries relax, which decreases resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Potassium is an important electrolyte involved in the transmitting of signals between the brain and nerves as well as the contraction of all muscles, including the heart. The healthy raw benefits of almonds make it a superfood that's great for solo snacking or dressing up salads!

Chocolate

Before you go crazy and buy a year's supply of your favorite chocolate, you need to first understand why raw chocolate is one of the best raw foods. Cacao is a raw, unprocessed form of chocolate. These untreated seeds contain magnesium as well as many other essential minerals, vitamins, monounsaturated fat, protein, and fiber. Raw chocolate can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, promote cardiovascular function, improve digestion, and can enhance physical and metal well being. The next time you're out looking for a treat, you have an excuse to treat yourself to a bite or two of raw chocolate. It's time to get on the best raw foods bandwagon and add some to your diet. Increase your energy and health while hitting your fitness goals in one punch with these raw superfoods in your meal management bag. When it comes to grabbing some nourishment to fuel your active day, reach into your gym tote or gym backpack for the best raw foods to keep your fitness goals on track.