The Powers of Raw Food
By Aisling Plunkett
For almost a decade now I’ve been practising and teaching holistic therapies. I noticed a reoccurring pattern emerging in relation to the importance of cleansing and clearing the mind, body, and soul. I soon discovered that no matter how much clearing of chakras or meditating I did, I felt that something was still not right.
So, I decided to attend a seven-day long juicing detox programme in Turkey, which included some gentle yoga and exercise. While there, I discovered that by cleansing my body of toxins through juicing and yoga, I felt so in tune with myself and my surroundings. It was an amazing feeling. I had so much energy – my skin was glowing and my eyes were bright. After a week of juicing it’s not wise to go straight back to your normal diet. It was recommended that for a few days we eat lightly with salads, fruits and whole foods. At the time I wasn’t aware of raw food, but when I look back I can see this was my first dabble with it.
Today I am 80% raw and learning more about this wonderful natural plant-based diet. It was that first detox week that made a huge impact on the way I live today.
It was also that gained knowledge that aided me through a huge change in my life – in August, I found a lump on my breast. My life turned upside down when I was diagnosed with grade-three breast cancer. Why me? I was healthy, fit, energetic and only 31 years old. Everything I have learned over the past 10 years holistically and nutritionally helped me to stay focused. I had all the tools at hand and was supported by the universe in every way possible. Through eating raw foods, juicing, taking supplements, daily meditation and reiki sessions, along with some homeopathic remedies, I’m delighted to let you know this particular journey was a brief one. I had a lumpectomy removed in October and was told a week later that I was all clear.
From the time I was diagnosed to when my surgery took place – three weeks in total – my tumour had shrunk by almost 20% from 25mm to 21mm. There is no doubt in my mind that the shrinking of my tumour was down to my positive attitude.
My diet had a major impact too. I was taking some supplements and superfoods: chlorella capsules, chia seeds, wheatgrass juice, essiac, and raw apple cider vinegar.
Chlorella is known to be effective in reducing the symptoms of numerous types of cancers. Studies indicate that chlorella accelerates and restores the population of white blood cells. It increases the rate of healing in tissues, and also boosts the immune system and fights free radical damage.
Wheatgrass juice is one of the original superfoods. It is extremely rich in iron, which helps the body regenerate and reactivate blood cells that provide oxygen to the body. If taken regularly it helps the body detoxify. It cleans the lymphatic system, and flushes out the intestines and the colon. It’s a real energy booster too.
Raw apple cider vinegar is my favourite. The presence of the acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste, is known to lower pH levels, creating an inhospitable intestinal environment for bacterial and fungal infections. Whatever your complaint, a daily dose of this is a must. At less than €4 for a bottle, it’s just amazing.
