Many raw foodists love to drench their meals in oils like olive oil, sesame oil and coconut oil thinking that it will bring about health…but this can’t be further from the truth!
Merriam-Webster definition of raw:
Being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified.
The problem with this is that oil is processed even if it is cold pressed extra virgin oil.
Oil is not in its whole form like avocados, coconut, nuts, seeds and olives are.
Oil contains absolutely no nutrition, just 100% pure fat.
A tablespoon of olive oil is about 100 calories, all of which comes from fat.
No carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber or water.
Something that has no nutrients is referred to as empty calories.
If you are concerned about getting fat into your diet without oil, that can easily be done by eating an avocado or a few nuts and seeds.
Some will argue that oil is really a health food, providing necessary monounsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
In reality, oil is a highly refined, highly fatty, *empty* calorie food.
Oil is really a mockery of the whole food counterpart.
Even the fat itself in oil is literally “bad,” as it does not take long for fat exposed to oxygen to become rancid.
Not only is oil not a raw food, but it is very unhealthy.
More is certainly not better with fatty oils.
It is quite easy to consume a high-fat diet when including oils.
Fat remains in the blood stream for a long time.
The excess fat in the bloodstream interferes with insulin production from the pancreas.
In normal conditions, the insulin will attach itself to sugar molecules within the blood in order to carry them to the cells.
With the fat in the way, the insulin has trouble reaching the insulin receptor.
The pancreas then becomes fatigued from producing extra insulin.
Therefore the blood-sugar level remains elevated because the sugar cannot be carried out of the blood by the insulin.
An excess of fat in the body also slows down digestion of other foods that are eaten and can cause gas and bloating.
Too much fat in the bloodstream also interferes with the red blood cells’ ability to transport oxygen.
A low oxygenated body is a perfect environment for cancer cells to thrive.
High fat diets are a recipe for disaster and are linked to several different illnesses such as candida, anemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, arthritis and heart disease.
HOW MUCH FAT TO EAT
According to several reputable doctors such as John McDougall, Neal Barnard, Caldwell Esselstyn, and Dean Ornish, 10% or less of your total calories should come from fat.
Many people around the world eat a low fat diet and are among the healthiest with the least risk of heart disease and other ailments.
Reading the China Study will give you some good research into why you should eat this way for optimal health and longevity.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE OIL NOW?
Use that oil as a body lotion, in toothpaste recipes, oil pulling and hair treatments!
There are many things to use oil in, just not inside your body!
