Bollywood actress Vidya Balan swears by gluten-free and “no raw food’ kind of diet. She sticks to home-cooked food that contains no gluten. The “Do Aur Do Pyaar” actor is strict about nothing raw features on her plate. So, is it something you should try or is it just another diet fad popularised by celebs? Read on.

Vidya Balan avoids all raw foods

Vidya recently shared in an interview that her diet consists of mostly homemade meals that she consumes cooked. Nothing raw is allowed, nor are gluten-containing foods. Her dietary preferences shocked her fans because almost all types of diets emphasise eating salads, which are raw vegetables and fruits.

By the “No Raw Diet,” we mean that your meals are fully cooked, and nothing is in its natural, raw state. Many say that it aids in digestion and keeps you full for longer. 

We are sure Vidya Balan has her reasons, but before you try it, you should know about the advantages and drawbacks. Here are the limitations of this diet and why critics ask you to be alert.

Benefits

No raw diet is easy to digest

When you cook raw food, the complex molecules break down into easily absorbable nutrients. Cooked food is also suitable for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. For example, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find it difficult to digest gluten, salads, and sprouts. You can also avoid other food insensitivities and intolerances with a no-raw diet.

More available nutrients

The bioavailability of carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, and cell walls is enhanced.  Cooking carrots and tomatoes ensures vitamins and antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene are readily available. Further, it eliminates the presence of anti-nutrients, such as phytates and oxalates, by deactivating them and improving mineral absorption.

Safety and reduced risk of illnesses

In the case of raw animal products like eggs, poultry, dairy, and meat, you risk getting food contamination. However, when you thoroughly cook them, illness-causing pathogens get destroyed at a high temperature. You can avoid E coli and Salmonella bacteria with cooked foods, and avoid nausea and vomiting symptoms. No wonder Vidya Balan stays super healthy!

Drawbacks

Most raw fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of fibre, which is beneficial for digestion. Cooking can deactivate these enzymes. You can avoid this loss by choosing gentle cooking methods like sauteing for less time, microwaving, stir-frying, steaming, etc., instead of using high heat. 

Besides, you cannot always choose what you eat when you dine out or attend parties. Hence, this diet can have social challenges. It is also restrictive, and if you are not careful, you can get potential nutrient deficiencies.

So, is a no-raw diet good for you?

There is no doubt that cooking also enhances the flavours of all items. Consider your food preferences, insensitivities, travel habits, and lifestyle. You can also consult a healthcare professional before you embark on this journey. Vidya Balan has a cohort of professionals guiding and advising her. Overall, trying to maintain a sustainable lifestyle and balanced diet, along with some physical activity is the best way to go.