Glossary: Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health

Raw Diet

A diet emphasizing unprocessed and uncooked foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and in some cases raw animal products like meat and dairy. Proponents believe that eating raw foods preserves nutrients and enzymes that can be lost during cooking. 

Refined Carbohydrates

Processed carbohydrates that have been stripped of their natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These include products like white bread, sugary snacks, and pastries, which when eaten are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to quick spikes in blood sugar levels, which can contribute to insulin resistance, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Unlike whole carbohydrates found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, refined carbohydrates offer little nutritional benefit and can negatively impact overall health.