Is the Raw Food Diet a new fad or style that is seeping into Asia just like the latest fashion statement? Well, I was never a fan of History, BUT I'm definitely 1 curious cat. And because I'm still alive (more than ever!), let's explore some facts & research on the annals of Raw Food, its Evolution & Invest Humanity. Now mind you, t here exists a TONNE of information, sometimes conflicting, on this topic which can knock out even a seasoned reader. And how do I deal with it? Simple - I simply look at facts, research done by professionals & recognized Institutes, together with actual living examples. And of course I listened to my own body to see what realy works for me. It really is pretty easy actually!Humans suffer from degenerative diseases generations after generations. In the latest decade, it appears to be getting away from hand. I have always noticed & be disturbed at the endless struggle with new, unheard of diseases & ailments while our scientists furiously invent new "pills & drugs" for cure....Before History on Raw Food was documented, there have been some evidence from countries like Iran & India where early communities ate & thrived on raw vegan foods... Humans only learned & began to cook once they discovered fire, and we also happen to be the only real species to cook our food.Hippocrates was students at "Mathematikoi" (a religious & philosophical school founded by Phythagoras where all students were necessary to be vegetarians), and Hipporates is really a well-known figure (the daddy of Medicine). From research, both Hippocrates & Phythagoras were thought to have eaten a primary raw vegan diet.In 1930, Dr Paul Kouchakoff (from the Institute of Clinical Chemistry in Lausanne, Switzerland) proved a human body condition referred to as "Digestive Leukocytosis". This is usually a reaction where white blood cells in your body increase immediately, and is produced only once cooked foods are eaten. When natural & unheated plants are eaten, Leukocytosis didn't occur. And what is this Leukocytosis highly relevant to? This is actually, a stress response produced by the body when it's invaded by way of a dangerous pathogen (ie. a harmful virus) or trauma.In 1933, Forbes EB wrote a paper saying that "Cooking renders food pasty, so that it sticks to one's teeth, and undergoes acid fermentation..." His paper linked the intake of cooked food to dental degeneration.In 1936, dentist Weston A Prince also observed the latter amongst an evolving generation which abandoned unadulterated nutrient dense foods for nutrient- void processed food items. That was coincidentally a beginning amount of civilization for humanity.In 1941, Dr. Edward Howell, an Illinois physician, wrote Food Enzymes for Health & Longevity. And in 1981, he published Enzyme Nutrition And "Eat Me Raw". These 2 books claimed that the pancreas is forced to work harder on an eating plan of cooked foods, and that food enzymes are simply as essential to digestion as the body's self-generated enzymes.In 1966, A. Hovannessian healed his sick child with raw food, and published a book called "Raw Eating" in Iran.In the late 1960s, Viktoras Kulvinskas & Ann Wigmore discovered powerful healing benefits of a raw diet. They opened The Hippocrates Institute (which by the way, continues to be very active today and managed by Dr Brian & Dr Maria Clement). The Institute has been curing sick people who have "Incurable Diseases".In 1975, after Viktoras published "Survival into the 21st Century", raw food began to trickle in to the main stream. The Gersons Institute (predicated on raw food healing research by Dr Max Gerson) was create shortly in 1977. "THE BRAND NEW Raw Energy" by Leslie Kenton in 1984 further increased exposure of the raw food diet.Now, up to then, raw food still comprised mainly of boring salads & juices. Along came pioneer raw gourmet chef Juliano, who entered the scene with his restaurant "Raw" in LA, California. He attracted celebrities and models whom suddenly appeared to gain youthfulness & beauty without surgery, now did that grab the media's attention! And have you any idea that Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson & Alicia Silverstone are raw foodists? I wouldn't mind having that body & youthfulness, not at all! ;)Since that time, the raw food scene has been exploding with new raw gourmet chefs, books, institutions to instruct raw gourmet cuisine, raw food classes, and even movies being made this very minute! You can view youthful & energetic "raw gurus" springing up around US, UK, and yes, even Asia now. Just do it & search for it - they are all over the place!So, what's my take on Raw Vegan Foodism? Is really a 100% Raw Vegan diet the best for health? If you ask me it is quite simple... I know that just by adding more fresh vegetables & fruits to any of my meals make sure they are healthier & more nutritious. We ought to not be promoting a Raw Vegan and even Vegan/Vegetarian Diet for everybody because honestly, nobody has a right to dictate what is a perfect diet for You. AS YOU, are unique and you also have your own special nutritional requirements. Provided that it works for your body, eat the freshest, least adulterated & least processed food items you can get the hands on. Just listen to Your Body and pay attention. Instead of 100% Raw or Vegan, focus on 100% health! We have got enough evidence, medical advice & even government endorsements which encourage consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables on a regular basis, to know these are best for us. Period. Never mind 100% Raw or not, 100% vegan or not.... if you are like me, you'll just want to get the most nutrients & taste from every meal!2 years ago, I spent just like a prince but ate just like a pauper. Expensive dinners at restaurants, popular hawker fare, donuts, commercially sold pies, pastries & beautifully packaged junk/convenient/pasteurized food (which may also be ridiculously modified for the manufacturers' profit margins). I could blow a good S$3,000 just on food bills in a single month. Concurrently, I visited the clinic for colds & fevers on the common of 3-4 times a year (pretty good, considering Singapore's outpatient leave of 10-30 days per annum!). The interesting thing was that I looked 10 years more than me now.How about now? I spend half of what I used to, and I eat like a King. more info look way younger than I was a decade ago. Don't think? Come see on your own! :)Make meals richer,Eat like Kings & Queens!� Copyright, 2008 Linda LooLinda has always been passionate concerning the Science of Nutrition for beauty, weight-loss, energy & longevity. She actually is also an effective Raw Foodist, Certified Raw Food Coach and is ever so delighted to share this gift of knowledge with fellow health enthusiasts! Visit [1] for more free juicy information on how you can eat the right path to a flawless complexion, a sexy body, AND abundant energy now!