Prevention & Treatment of Physical & Mental Diseases with Living Nutrition
*Healing with living foods
insights from recent research
In recent years, the Evolved Living Nutrition diet and lifestyle that consists of predominately raw fruits, soft leavy greens and micro-greens, nuts and seeds, together with edible seaweeds such as dulse and nori, has garnered increasing attention across the globe for its health benefits.
This essay explores how a living foods diet can contribute to the prevention and management of various health conditions, drawing on recent research studies to highlight its efficacy.
Evolved Living Nutrition Diet & Lifestyle Overview
A living foods diet focuses on raw, unprocessed foods that retain their full nutritional value.
- Eating from the Living Trees – Raw Fruits & Berries: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre
- Soft Leavy Greens & Microgreens: Lettuce, Rocket, Mustard Greens and Water Cress, are high in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals
- Nuts and Seeds: Packed with healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients
- Edible Seaweeds: Dulse, Nori, Wakame, Irish Moss and Kombu, contain nutrients such as: Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, E & K, Iodine, Calcium, Folate, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Antioxidants
The science behind the living foods diet is that cooking and processing destroys beneficial enzymes, thereby reducing the quality and quantity of available nutrients, while also, more often than not, introducing unhealthy additives such as artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. By consuming foods in their raw state, research shows that those adhering to our natural diet can maximize their health benefits and reduce the risk of various diseases.
Physical Diseases Prevented & Cured by a Living Foods Diet
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, often linked to consumption of animal foods that are high in fat, preservatives and additives such as chemical flavour enhancers, along with consumption of heavily processed and denuded grains in the form of white bread, cakes and pasta, coupled to sedentary lifestyle choices.
In contrast, recent research shows that a diet of raw fruits, soft leavy greens and micro-greens, nuts and seeds, together with edible seaweeds, significantly positively impact cardiovascular health.
A 2021 research study published in “Circulation” found that higher fruit and greens intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study highlighted that the antioxidants, fibre, and phytonutrients in raw fruits and vegetables contribute to improved heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Nuts and seeds also play a crucial role in cardiovascular health. A 2022 meta-analysis in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” revealed that nut consumption is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The study attributed these benefits to the healthy fats, fibre, and bioactive compounds in nuts.
Preventing & Treating Type 2 Diabetes with Living Foods
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. Diet plays a significant role in managing and preventing this debilitating condition.
A 2020 study in “Diabetes Care” found that a diet high in raw fruits and greens improved insulin sensitivity while also reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The research emphasized the role of dietary fibre and low glycaemic index foods in managing blood sugar levels.
The inclusion of nuts and seeds in the diet also aids the prevention and management of diabetes. “The Impact of Vegan Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review” reported that daily consumption of nuts improved glycemic control and reduced inflammation in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Preventing & Reversing a Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The living foods diet and practical physical activity gained from gardening, has proven to play a significant role in the prevention and management of cancer.
George Malkmus, the author of The Hallelujah Diet, is himself a cancer survivor who attributes his recovery to adopting a diet rich in raw fruits, vegetables, and juices. He promotes a plant-based, raw food diet as a way to prevent and treat cancer.
A 2021 review in “The Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology” concluded that high intake of raw fruits and soft leavy greens is associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer. The antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals found in these foods have been shown to have protective effects against cancer development.
Research published in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention” in 2022 found that nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, may have protective effects against cancer. The study attributed these benefits to the high content of polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and phytochemicals in nuts.
Healing Digestive Disorders
Digestive health is closely linked to diet, and a living foods diet can help manage and prevent various digestive disorders.
A 2021 study in “The Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology” found that a diet high in raw vegetables and fruits is beneficial for gut health. The dietary fibre in these foods supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Nuts and seeds contribute to digestive health as well. A 2022 study in “The British Journal of Nutrition” highlighted that the fiber and healthy fats in seeds, such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, support bowel regularity and overall gut health.
Mental Diseases Prevented & Cured by a Living Foods Diet
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are increasingly recognized as significant public health issues. Diet can play a critical role in mental health.
A 2022 review in “Nutrients” concluded that higher intake of raw fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety. The study attributed these benefits to the high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support brain health and mood regulation.
Nuts and seeds are also beneficial for mental health. A 2021 study published in “Psychiatry Research” found that omega-3 fatty acids, found in seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds, have antidepressant effects and can improve mood.
Addressing Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases are growing concerns as the population ages. A diet rich in living foods may offer protective benefits.
A 2022 study in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia” found that consuming raw fruits and vegetables can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of these foods were identified as key factors in protecting brain health.
Research published in “Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience” in 2021 demonstrated that nuts, particularly walnuts, can support cognitive health and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study attributed these effects to the high content of antioxidants and healthy fats in nuts.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. It is well documented that diet plays a significant role in managing stress levels.
A 2022 study in ‘The Journal of Nutrition’ found that a diet high in raw fruits and soft leafy greens contributes to managing stress while also improving overall mood and energy levels. The study highlighted the role of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and vitamin C, in stress reduction.
Nuts and seeds contribute to stress management as well. A 2021 study published in ‘The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine’ found that the magnesium and healthy fats in nuts can help regulate stress hormones and support overall mental well-being.
Healing with Living Foods
A living foods diet that consists predominately of raw fruits, soft leafy greens and microgreens, nuts, and seeds, along with edible seaweeds, offers numerous health benefits that extends to both preventing and overcoming physical and mental diseases. Recent research supports the idea that this diet can play a significant role in preventing and managing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, digestive disorders, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and stress.
By incorporating more raw, unprocessed foods into the diet, communitarians can harness the full nutritional potential of these foods and support their overall health. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of a living foods diet, current evidence suggests that it can be a valuable component of a holistic approach to sustainable health and longevity.
