Free-Radicals
Because our bodies are subject to constant “oxidative stress” we need healing foods. Oxidative Stress happens as a result from single atoms of oxygen splitting with unpaired electrons in the body. These atoms, referred to as free-radicals, seek to find other electrons to become a balanced pair. And this process can wreak havoc on cells, damaging proteins and DNA.
Free-radicals are the natural byproducts of metabolism and other chemical processes, however. But they are also generated by many substances that we interact with (or consume) daily. The food we eat, medicines we take, air we breathe, and liquids we drink all contribute to the culture of free-radicals within our body.
How does food encourage free-radical production?
Light, oxygen, and heat oxidize food. Oxidized foods disrupt balance within the body, removing electrons from healthy cells. The less oxidation of foods, the better. Foods that are highly processed, over cooked, and depleted of nutrients become energy stealing (versus life giving) once eaten.
Because of the free radical production that ensues from everyday stressors, it’s important to supplement the body with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralizes free-radicals and are found in many fresh, living foods. These replenish cells that are damaged from excessive free-radical production. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate foods that have their nutrients still intact. They provide the body with nourishment and healing against free-radical damage.
Meat, processed foods, cooked foods and fried foods have the least amount of nutrients available for the body, and result in a high degree of free-radical production. The aim of a Raw Vegan Diet is to remove these foods and replace them with whole, complete, and natural foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. While consuming raw foods, our bodies receive healing from free-radical damage.
Free-Radicals and Detox
Blood cells becoming thicker than lymphocytes (type of white blood cell or “lymph cells”) as a result of excess free-radicals in the body creates many internal issues. These issues stem from free-radical deposits that can be found anywhere in the body’s blood and tissues. In order to heal and prevent further damage within the body, it must become balanced. This is done through detoxification.
Detoxification results when more lymphocytes are present than blood cells in the circulatory system. This process releases damaged cells from the body and rebalances the body as a system. A cleaner and more connected system results. Raw Food provides the body with essential enzyme producing nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the body’s lymphatic response. When there is a constant flow of these within the body, there is cellular protection and regeneration that happens. This is what is meant by “eating foods that heal”.