A raw diet refers to a type of eating plan that primarily consists of uncooked, unprocessed and organic foods. This means that most of the nutrients in these foods are preserved because they haven't been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius), which is the temperature at which enzymes start to break down.
People who follow a raw diet believe that consuming uncooked, whole and natural foods can provide numerous health benefits such as increased energy levels, better digestion, clearer skin, weight loss, and improved immune function. The idea behind this type of eating plan is that cooking destroys essential nutrients in food, so by avoiding it, you're getting more nutrition from the same amount of calories.
A raw diet can include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as some raw meats or fish. However, it excludes all processed foods, grains, legumes, dairy products, and any food that has been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
In summary, a raw diet is an eating plan based on the principle of preserving nutrients by consuming uncooked, whole and natural foods.