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What is Living Food?

Living food can transform your body! What are the charms of living food?

What is living food?

Wheatgrass illustration

Living food refers to a dietary approach that maximizes the use of live nutrients.

By taking in heat-sensitive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals without destroying them,

The aim is to aid digestion and metabolism in the body and enhance the body's natural healing abilities.

This concept of living food has its roots in 19th-century natural hygiene .

Based on the philosophy that "people regain their natural health by living in harmony with nature,"

The emphasis has been on incorporating enzymes, vitamins, and minerals without destroying them, primarily through raw ingredients.

Subsequently, Dr. Edward Howell's enzyme nutrition ,

The practice of eating wheatgrass and sprouts, advocated by Anne Wigmore, has become widespread.

Eventually, the concept of " living food," a food culture that coexists with nature, became established.

Nowadays, it is deeply connected to the concepts of fermentation and raw food.

" To harmonize mind and body while feeling the energy that living ingredients provide "

It is spreading all over the world as a new lifestyle.

Features of living hoods

Salad image

The most distinctive feature of living food is that it "makes the most of fresh ingredients as they are."

By minimizing heating, the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant pigments) naturally present in vegetables and fruits are preserved.

It can be incorporated without damaging anything.

The color, aroma, and texture of the ingredients—everything is "as natural as possible,"

Another characteristic is that you feel a sense of lightness, as if your body is being reset, with every bite.

1. "Non-heat cooking" that preserves enzymes

In living hoods, cooking should be done at a temperature of 48°C or lower.

It protects heat-sensitive enzymes and nutrients.

This is based on the idea of conserving enzymes in the body, reducing the burden on digestion, and supporting metabolism.

Another appealing aspect is that it brings out the "natural flavor" of the ingredients.

2. The "life energy" that ingredients possess

Vegetables, fruits, and sprouts (germinated foods) are foods that remain "alive" for a while after harvesting.

By directly absorbing that life force, you can experience a feeling of energy surging from within your body.

Smoothies, cold-pressed juices, marinades, salads, etc.

This is a representative dish that allows you to directly feel this energy.

3. Harmony with fermentation

Living food and fermentation both share the commonality of **"utilizing the power of microorganisms"**.

By combining live koji and fermented seasonings,

The umami and aroma spread, resulting in a deeper flavor.

Yeast and lactic acid bacteria found in fermented foods are also important "living partners" in the world of living foods.

4. Visual appeal and satisfaction of the five senses

Living Food values not only eating, but also "seeing," "smelling," and "touching."

The healing power of natural colors and the beauty of the cut surface are

It's truly "edible art."

Appreciating beauty is also a form of nourishment that nourishes the body.

Benefits of living room hoods

Nut illustration

Living Food helps to regulate energy from within the body.

This is a lifestyle food that allows you to experience the feeling of "improving your well-being while you eat."

1. Enzymes help to smooth metabolism

The enzymes contained in raw foods aid digestion and reduce the burden on metabolic enzymes in the body.

As a result, it helps to balance your metabolism and supports the creation of a body that is less prone to fatigue and weight gain.

2. Anti-aging through antioxidants

Because it allows you to take in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and carotenoids without destroying them,

It prevents oxidative damage at the cellular level, maintaining the youthfulness of skin and blood vessels.

3. Improve gut health and boost immunity

Living foods contain many plant-based lactic acid bacteria, fermented ingredients, and dietary fiber, which help regulate the intestines.

This also contributes to the stabilization of the immune system and hormone balance.

4. Mental stability and improved concentration

It helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, which tend to fluctuate due to processed foods and diets high in carbohydrates.

It supports clarity of thought, concentration, and emotional stability.

5. Sustainable and compassionate food culture

By reducing animal products and excessive energy consumption,

We embody a sustainable approach to food that is kind to the planet.

The history and proponents of living food

Unwingmore Image

The origins of living food lie in natural hygiene, a natural health practice that became popular in 19th-century America.

This idea, born from the philosophy that "people can regain their natural health by living in harmony with nature,"

This later developed into the forms of "enzyme nutrition" and "raw food."

It was Ann Wigmore who systematized this philosophy into a practical dietary method.

She learned about the detoxifying properties of wheatgrass ,

Focusing on the vitality of sprouted foods,

By scientifically explaining the "natural healing power of food," it sparked a global movement.

Anne Wigmore founded the Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston.

He is also known for popularizing living food as an alternative therapy for cancer and lifestyle-related diseases.

Based on her teachings, Dr. Edward Howell , who researched raw food and enzyme nutrition,

He proposed that "enzymes in food support our metabolism,"

I laid the theoretical foundation for living food.

In modern times, Anne Wigmore's disciples have carried on her philosophy in various parts of the world.

It is spreading as a food culture that connects "natural hygiene → raw food → living food" .

Living food is not simply a "raw food method,"

It continues to evolve as "a food science that revitalizes the body's vitality in accordance with the laws of nature."

Relationship between natural hygiene and raw food

Living Food History and Proponents
Living Food has developed within the global healthy eating movement.

*Ann Wigmore
He founded the Hippocrates Health Institute and popularized wheatgrass juice, and wrote "The Hippocrates Diet."

* Gabriel Cousins
A physician and researcher, he advocates living foods for diabetes treatment and is the author of "Conscious Eating."

* David Wolf
A leading expert on superfoods, author of "The Sunfood Diet Success System."

What is Natural Hygiene?

The image of doctors in America
Natural hygiene was advocated in 19th-century America by several doctors and naturopaths.
This is a "natural health method" that was later systematized by Dr. Herbert Shelton.
The underlying philosophy is to "maximize the body's natural healing power by following the laws of nature."

Its basic principle is,

"Follow the laws of nature and make the most of the body's inherent healing power."

That's the idea.

We emphasize not only diet, but also regulating your entire lifestyle , including sleep, exercise, breathing, sunlight, water, and emotions .

This dietary approach has the following characteristics:

• Focus on uncooked, natural ingredients.

• Avoid animal products and processed foods

• Emphasize food combinations.

• Value the simple flavors your body craves.

In natural hygiene, " raw ingredients " such as avocados and nuts are recommended over oils.

It is believed that eating in a way that closely resembles the natural world helps maintain the body's balance.

Differences from raw food

Living room food image

Raw food is based on the dietary philosophy of natural hygiene .

This is a practical cooking style that involves cooking at temperatures below 48°C to avoid destroying the enzymes in the ingredients .

From a nutritional perspective,

  • Retains enzymes and vitamins

  • Promotes the conservation of enzymes in the body.

  • Enhance beauty and diet effects

    These modern advantages were emphasized,

    This has evolved into variations as a culinary technique (smoothies, raw sweets, and fusions with fermentation).

 ▶Learn more about raw food here

The positioning of living room food

Living Hood

Living Food embodies the "lifestyle in harmony with nature" of Natural Hygiene,

It is a practical food culture that encompasses both the "nutritional approach" and the raw food philosophy .

In other words,

Natural Hygiene = Philosophy
Raw food = a practical approach (eating style)
Living food = its fusion (lifestyle)

It can be said that...

Living Food offers fresh vegetables and fruits,

By incorporating Japanese fermentation culture (miso, koji, soy sauce, pickles, etc.),

It is evolving into a more accessible and sustainable style.

What is Living Food?

Living Food is a diet that maximizes the use of living nutrients . It incorporates the power of nature by utilizing fermented foods and fresh vegetables and fruits.

The difference between this and raw food is that it actively incorporates fermented foods .

Living Food embodies the "lifestyle in harmony with nature" of Natural Hygiene,

It is a practical food culture that encompasses both the "nutritional approach" and the raw food philosophy .

In other words,

Natural Hygiene = Philosophy
Raw food = a practical approach (eating style)
Living food = its fusion (lifestyle)

It can be said that...

Living Food offers fresh vegetables and fruits,

By incorporating Japanese fermentation culture (miso, koji, soy sauce, pickles, etc.),

It is evolving into a more accessible and sustainable style.

Living Food Practices

The basic principle of living food is a simple one: "Eat ingredients in as natural a state as possible, and in as fresh a state as possible."

It can be incorporated into your daily life without the need for special tools or strict restrictions.

Basic concept

  1. Raw + Fermented

    • Combining raw ingredients like salads and smoothies with fermented foods helps improve gut health.

    • The enzymes and fermentation bacteria work together to support metabolism and detoxification from within the body.

  2. Low temperature cooking (below 48-50℃)

    • To protect heat-sensitive enzymes and vitamins, minimize heating.

    • Warm soups and lightly steamed vegetables are also included, "within limits that do not destroy the enzymes."

  3. Preserving the natural flavor

    • Instead of white sugar and refined salt, use maple syrup, natural salt, lemon, etc.

      It brings out the natural sweetness, acidity, and umami of the ingredients.

    • We do not use chemical seasonings and prioritize "flavors that harmonize with the ingredients."

Tips for incorporating it into your daily routine

  • Start your morning with a smoothie or fruit. It helps wake up your body and reduces the burden on your digestive system.

  • For lunch, have a dish that provides energy, such as a salad bowl or sprouted brown rice.

  • In the evening, combine fermented foods and warm soups to relax while regulating your metabolism.

  • For snacks, I recommend enjoying small amounts of raw sweets, dried fruit, or nuts.

Tips for continuing without difficulty

  • Don't strive for perfection.

    Even just having "living food" for one meal a day is enough.

  • Choose seasonal and local products.

    Instead of relying solely on imported ingredients, incorporating seasonal Japanese ingredients and fermentation culture will make it easier to stick with the diet.

  • Pay attention to your physical condition.

    When your body tends to get cold easily, try combining it with warm soup or herbal tea to maintain balance.

What is Living Food?

Living Food is a diet that maximizes the use of living nutrients . It incorporates the power of nature by utilizing fermented foods and fresh vegetables and fruits.

The difference between this and raw food is that it actively incorporates fermented foods .

Living food is not just a way of eating,

It's a way of life where you live in harmony with nature.

By taking in the energy of nature through seasonal vegetables and fruits,

By cooking while appreciating the aroma, color, and vitality of the ingredients themselves,

Your mind and body will become balanced.

The concept and practice of living food are

I explain this in detail in my book, "&RAW LIVING Step1 - The Raw Food Textbook."

For those who want to further deepen their practice of living food based on the theory of raw food,

I also recommend taking courses such as the Raw Food Master course or the Fermentation Planner course.

"&RAW LIVING Step 1 - The Raw Food Textbook"

▶ View Raw Food Master Course

▶ View Fermentation Planner Course

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