You don't need to undertake a fully raw lifestyle to reap the benefits of eating raw! Here we go deeper to find out what eating raw and how it can help you achieve that natural glow...
At lük we encourage you to nourish your body with beautiful food both raw and cooked to enhance your natural beauty. Balance and moderation is key to a healthy life, 'crowding in' and 'swapping up' the foods you eat underlies our eating philosophy. Eating raw doesn't mean you have to change your mindset or diet completely to enjoy the benefits... but a raw food at every meal will provide your body with gorgeous benefits!
What is raw food?
Food that is raw! Meaning it has not been heated over 45 degrees Celsius to ensure the enzymes are not denatured meaning a loss in nutritional value. Raw food can be wholefoods and produce such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and oils which are eaten in their natural state. It can also be for example 'raw' crackers or dehydrated foods providing the temperature is control. Raw food is also free from additives, preservatives, refined sugars and added fats and can include fresh juices, smoothies, nut milks or butters, soups, salads and sprouted grains.
What are the benefits of eating raw?
Raw foods are rich in enzymes which help our body to digest what we're eating, convert it to energy, absorb nutrients and put them to use! Enzymes also work to make sure the processes in the body are running smoothly and ensure cells are repaired, meaning hair, skin and nails are kept strong and healthy. Eating raw food also aids the digestive system as a higher number of enzymes help break down the food, putting less pressure on your digestive system so energy can be spent elsewhere.
Eating 'raw' can help to flush toxins from your body by cleansing your cells in such a way your body is able to effectively fight against free radicals and repair any damage. By reducing the number of toxins your body to focus its energy on other things such as supporting your immune system or giving you focus and energy while maintaining and enhancing your natural beauty.
Not only does reducing the toxin load help your immune system, but the intake of a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh fruit and vegetables also helps to keep your immune system in tip top shape! Eating food in its raw state means the chances of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals being destroyed is lower. This reduces the chances of you becoming sick as your body is able to fight and destroy illnesses before they begin to show symptoms.
Eating 'raw' ensures you boost your fruit and vegetable intake helping you to increase your nutrients and receive a variety of vitamins, minerals and important
beauty nutrients
Some key beauty nutrients include silicon, zinc, sulfur, iron and potassium. Silicon allows strong, shiny nails as well as stronger hair. Zinc helps to ward away acne while also helping to rebuild collagen in the skin, to fight sagging and wrinkles while potassium helps to maintain correct levels of moisture in the skin, allowing cells to stay plump and hydrated while creating a smooth complexion.
Eating raw food can boost your energy and fuel your cells which in turn creates a better gut health and a clear complexion so you can look and feel your best. The abundance and variety of fresh fruit and vegetables helps to maintain the alkalinity of your body to prevent inflammation.
Ways to boost your raw food intake
Eating raw doesn't have to be difficult, in fact it can actually make healthy eating easier. Here are a few quick ways to include raw food into your diet:
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Drink Green smoothies - Try our Luk Glow + Go green smoothie which is full of fresh ingredients and a boost of active beauty nutrients!
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Make Salads and Nourishment Bowls - Whether as a side or as a main meal salads are a great way to include raw foods into your diet, like our Thai style raw zucchini noodles for a quick and simple, delicious dish.
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Drink Nut Milks - Nut milks are a delicious, simple way to incorporate skin loving nutrients and added vitamins to you diet. Add exotic spices for a luxurious guilt-free treat and be sure to try our Super Skin Milk with almonds, pear, lemon and turmeric for a refreshing pick me up.
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Create yummy raw treats - Start experimenting with delicious raw desserts which are still high in nutrients and enzymes to nourish your body, like our raw blood orange cheesecake recipe.
