Dangers Of Eating Raw Vegetables
You may not have heard it before but eating raw vegetables could actually make you sick. Surprised? Well, there is a downside to this healthy habit. Read on to know about the dangers of eating raw vegetables
This is one condition you would not think of associating with consumption of raw vegetables. Well, that is a myth. Some vegetables, which are high in acidic content, can cause acid reflux, known more popularly as heartburn. In this condition, the esophageal sphincter is weakened as a result of which acid from the stomach enters into the esophagus. If persisting for a long time, heartburn can even lead to cancer of esophagus. Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and garlic can cause heartburn if consumed raw.
2) Intestinal Distress
Raw vegetables contain insoluble fiber, which makes up for the most of fecal matter and also helps in pushing food through your body, right from the esophagus to the small intestine. However, if you exceed consumption of raw vegetables to more than 2 to 3 cups daily, it means you are consuming too much fiber, which, in turn, will cause bloating, diarrhea, or even constipation.
This is caused by vegetables having lots of Beta-carotene, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash, particularly yellow squash. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, which, when consumed in excess, gives your skin a yellow or orange hue. Interesting, but not when you look like a walking-talking Jack-O-lantern, that too when there is no Thanksgiving around the corner. Avoid over-consumption of vegetables that are orange in color and you will stay safe from carotenemia.
Vegetables have their health benefits and since raw vegetables are considered to be the perfect food made by nature, most of you do not think twice before loading up on the veggies. However, as you have already read, it comes with its own consequences. So what should you do, because eating your daily dose of veggies is important enough for you. Here are some tips, which will help you consume vegetables in a better way:-
a) Include cultured or fermented vegetables in your diet, like sauerkraut.
b) Chew vegetables properly, which means at least 20 chews per bite.
c) You can make your vegetables more suitable for digestion by baking, simmering, or steaming them.
d) Consume enzymes, administered by your doctor, of course, to keep your gastrointestinal system in place.
e) Blend raw vegetables into a smoothie for better digestion.
4) What Scientists Say
You would be surprised to know that excess consumption of vegetables like tomatoes or red bell pepper can give you cancer or heart attack. This is because the red vegetables contain lycopene and several studies have proved that excess of lycopene can cause cancer and heart troubles. A 2008 report published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that eating boiled vegetables supplied the body with more antioxidants than eating raw vegetables.
Now that you have enough evidence on the dangers of eating raw vegetables, why don’t you bring in a lifestyle change and try living a healthy lifes with the not-so-raw veggies?
Image Courtesy: bodyecology.com