Coffee is a beverage that is enjoyed by millions of people each and every day, including those following a plant-based diet. But is coffee allowed on a raw diet?
Coffee does not fit the parameters of a raw vegan diet because the coffee beans are roasted. Even if you use a cold brewing method later, the heat was applied in the processing of the beans. This means that coffee is not truly raw and therefore would not be suitable for those following a raw vegan diet.
However, there are plenty of other plant-based beverages out there that can be enjoyed without compromising your dietary beliefs. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day, why not try green juice, maybe coconut water, or a fruit smoothie?
In this article, we explore:
- The Raw Vegan Diet: What Is It and Should You Try It?
- What Is Considered Raw Vegan?
- What Can I Drink On A Raw Vegan Diet? (A discussion on tea, coffee, and alcohol)
- The Bottom Line
1. The Raw Vegan Diet: What Is It and Should You Try It?
A raw vegan diet is one that consists of only raw, unprocessed plant foods. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and omits not only all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs but also processed foods that have undergone temperature treatment of more than 118-120 degrees Fahrenheit (48-49 degrees Celsius).
There are many reasons why someone might choose to follow a raw vegan diet. Some choose a raw vegan diet for environmental or ethical reasons. They believe that this way of eating has the least negative impact on the planet and does not involve any animal cruelty.
For the majority though, it is a health-related choice. They believe that by eating only raw, unprocessed foods, they are getting the most nutrients possible and giving their body the best chance to function optimally. They also believe that eating raw foods is more natural and closer to the way our ancestors ate.
Raw vegans believe that this way of eating is optimal for health and vitality. They say that cooking food destroys nutrients and alters its molecular structure, making it difficult to digest.
They also claim that a raw vegan diet can Detoxify the body, boost energy levels, improve digestion, and help you lose weight.
If you are thinking about trying a raw vegan diet, it is important to do your research and make sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.
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2. What Is Considered Raw Vegan?
Raw veganism is a diet that focuses on consuming raw, unrefined plant foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. Raw vegans do not consume any animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. They also avoid processed foods and beverages that have been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. What Can I Drink On A Raw Vegan Diet?
There are many delicious and nutritious beverages that are perfect for a raw vegan diet. Below, we will discuss the best drinks to enjoy on a raw vegan diet, as well as which one would not fit the raw parameters.
3.1. Water
Water is essential for life, and it should be your go-to beverage on any diet.
Some believe that those following a raw diet should only drink water. This is because any other type of processed drink, even juice or smoothie, might not be the best option. Water is the most natural and pure form of hydration, and it can help to cleanse and detoxify the body.
There are many health benefits to drinking water, and it is essential for proper bodily function. If you are following a raw food diet, make sure to drink plenty of water every day!
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3.2. Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Smoothies
If you are not as strict and gently processing fruits and vegetables through a blender and juicer, juices and smoothies are a great option for a raw drink! They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Just make sure to not add any sugar or sweeteners.
3.3. Coconut water
Coconut water is in its raw form, so it’s a perfect beverage for raw vegans that are worried about consuming food and drink that hasn’t undergone any processing.
It’s also low in calories and fat, and high in electrolytes, making it a great choice for people who are looking to stay hydrated. Coconut water is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Now let’s look at some of the drinks that should be avoided on a raw diet, either because they have undergone a temperature treatment, or because they can be processed in another way, making them not in their original raw form anymore.
3.4.Tea
Tea is a popular beverage all over the world, but it is not ideal for those following a raw diet. This is because tea leaves are usually heated during the brewing process.
3.5. Coffee
Coffee is another popular beverage that is often consumed hot, which means it is not ideal for a raw diet. Even if you decide to cold-brew your coffee, coffee beans are still roasted at high temperatures. If you are following a raw diet, it is best to avoid coffee.
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3.6. Alcohol
There are a couple of reasons why alcohol is not consumed on a raw diet. The first reason is that alcohol is processed food. It is made by fermentation, which is when yeast breaks down the sugars in fruits or grains and turns them into alcohol. Fermentation is considered to be a processing method because it changes the food’s molecular structure.
Additionally, alcohol is considered to be toxic to the body. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to negative consequences like liver damage, cancer, or addiction.
4. The Bottom Line
There are a variety of drinks that are acceptable for raw vegans to consume, and many that are not. Water is always the best choice, but fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies can also be great options.
Coconut water is another excellent choice for raw vegans, as it is in its purest form.
Tea and coffee should be avoided, as they are typically processed or roasted at high temperatures.
Alcohol should also be avoided, as it is considered to be processed food and can be toxic to the body.