By michael - February, 16th 2014

The idea is that heating food destroys its nutrients and natural enzymes, which is bad because enzymes boost digestion and fight chronic disease. In short: When you cook it, you kill it.

Raw foodism is becoming increasingly popular. Advocates report high energy levels and less need for sleep. But is it a healthy way for everyone to eat, asks Hazel Sillver

Raw courgette lasagne followed by avocado pudding may not be the sort of meal that wets your appetite. But raw foodism is fast becoming part of our society.

Raw foods, such as Nakd snack bars, Raw Health honey and choccy bars by The Raw Chocolate Co, are now widely available and one of the most exciting restaurants to open in London last year was 42° Raw, which doesn’t cook anything.

This month sees the launch of a new raw food recipe book:Raw Food Power by Annelie Whitfield (£12.99, Ivy Press), and raw heroine Kate Magic (formerly Kate Wood) is reissuing two of her books:Raw Magic (£16.99, Process) and Eat Smart, Eat Raw (£14.99, Grub Street).

What was once considered extreme hippiedom, is growing in popularity as people become more …

You'll probably lose weight on this diet, since many raw foods are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in fiber. One study found that a raw foods diet worked for weight loss. You'll also get nutritional perks. Most of what you eat will be high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. And it’s true that cooking can zap vitamins B and C. Eating lots of veggies and fruits is good for you.

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