| It was not until the human species discovered fire that | | | | cannot be digested properly by the body. Meat is a |
| they developed and progressed beyond the limitations | | | | food that is high in protein and many people believe |
| of other species. Fire provided protection and warmth | | | | they are getting enough of their protein through eating |
| and played a vital role in the development of our | | | | meat. However, what many people are not aware of |
| species. Fire also enabled humans to expand their diet | | | | is that cooking and overcooking meat can hugely |
| by cooking meat. From this point on the human diet | | | | reduce the levels of protein. |
| changed greatly from one of wild berries and seeds to | | | | Vitamins are essential to our health. Without them we |
| a predominantly meat diet. | | | | would have depleted energy levels and an immune |
| Although, cooking with fire enabled us to vary our diet | | | | system that would collapse under the pressure from |
| the actual process of heating made certain foods | | | | toxins, bacteria, infections and viruses. The cooking |
| softer and tastier to eat. However, for many other | | | | process can also deplete many of the vital vitamins |
| foods the process of cooking depletes the nutrients | | | | we need to remain fit and healthy. For example, up to |
| and goodness that the body needs to function and to | | | | 80 % of vitamin C can be lost due to cooking. |
| maintain its health. | | | | This does not mean that you should stop eating |
| The key components in food that provide life are the | | | | cooked food. However, to maintain your health and |
| enzymes, vitamins minerals and proteins. When we | | | | give your body the optimum nutrients it needs you |
| cook natural raw foods we reduce or completely | | | | need to replace the nutrients that are either lost or |
| destroy the nutrients from these foods. This includes all | | | | depleted through cooking. You can achieve this by |
| the common methods of cooking whether it is frying, | | | | introducing more raw foods in to your diet every day. |
| roasting boiling or grilling. | | | | These can take the form of salads and sprouts. If you |
| One of the major building blocks for the human body is | | | | do cook try not to overcook or burn your food. Your |
| protein. It helps build and repair muscle tissue. When | | | | body will thank you for it. |
| we cook food most of the protein can be destroyed | | | | If you have any type of medical condition always |
| completely are changed to a molecular structure that | | | | consult your doctor before changing your diet. |