Health for Body Mind and Soul

New research has looked into the effect of a raw food vegetarian diet and overall health. Many proponents of this diet feel not processing foods leads to improved overall health. Others have voiced concern raw food vegetarian diets may decrease bone density and increase the risk of fractures.

A recent study in Archives of Internal Medicine found that bones were lighter on a raw food diet, but did not present a significant risk of fracture or significantly lower bone density. The study attributes the lower bone mass to raw vegetable eaters being thinner, not to a significant change in bone structure.

View the original study here.

The researchers compared the bone health of 18 people who had been following strict raw food diets for up to 10 years with that of people who ate a diet which included a variety of refined foods. The groups were similar in demographics to help eliminate external factors from the study. Once the study participants were matched up, bone density was surveyed for all participants. Along with bone density, other body measurements were taken, including body mass index.

Participants on the raw food diet showed lower body mass index, body fat, bone mass, and bone mineral density. Although those who stuck to a raw food diet had lower mineral density, they showed no other symptoms of osteoporosis.

In general, the lower bone density and lack of increase in the number of fractures was attributed to low body mass index, rather than a raw food diet. Those who follow a strictly raw food vegan diet typically experience lower weights and fewer health related issues.