A theory is a system of ideas or statements explaining something. Raw and living food theory claims that uncooked food produces greater health benefits than cooked food. Based on its history, leaders, and the current documented practices, the following six concepts appear to be the principles of the raw food or living nutrition theory.

(1) Eat food that is alive with its enzymes still intact.

(2) Eat food that is fresh and organic

(3) Eat vegan food, no animal products

(4) You reflect the vibration, or energy level, of what you eat

(5) Juice some percentage of your fruits and vegetables regularly

(6) Follow food-combining rules .

Details of each concept are addressed in detail later in The Raw Food Diet Myth.

A theory is meant to be tested to prove or disprove its validity and needs to be tested using rigorous scientific testing methods with positive, consistent outcomes time after time. Although there is abundant and reliable case study data available, clinical trials and other similar scientific studies have not yet been conducted to test the raw food theory. The good news (for supporters of raw food theory) is that there does not appear to be any solid evidence disproving the benefits of the theory.

While we wait for studies to be conducted at some point in the future, we can read, analyze, and possibly even try out some of the principles of the raw food theory in our own lives. I overheard a conversation recently about raw food. A man was describing the raw food diet to his companion. His explanation contained many of the six principles listed below. His friend responded, “it sounds like just another diet fad to me.” The man (who was not a raw foodist), responded, “Maybe, but when you think about it, how can something that is fresh, organic and good for you be a fad?”