Are Raw Food Diets Safe?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom We like to think of “raw foods” as the closest to nature – the most nutrient-dense, and totally healthy. Now, in a perfect world, that would be true. And many raw foods are a great choice – raw fruits and vegetables are always a healthy go-to group (washed thoroughly or washed and peeled). But are all raw foods are safe to consume? No! Raw foods – meaning completely uncooked – can have bacterial contamination that you can’t ignore. Here are a few foods public health reports indicate that you should not consume because they pose a significant risk of food-borne illness. Raw milk: It’s not the milk coming from the cow that is contaminated, but the handling of it until it gets to the consumer. Bacterial contamination can easily occur during the transition from the dairy to your doorstep (or local market). Always look for pasteurized milk, which has been raised to high temperatures to kill off any bacteria. Raw juice: A serious bacterial contamination...