Nutritionist Warns: Avoid Eating These 'Healthy' Foods Raw

According to a recent video posted by nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar on October 14, 2024, there are two types of foods that should not be consumed raw: sprouts and leafy vegetables. Sprouts, which grow in warm and humid conditions, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be very unhealthy for the gut. Shalini recommends steaming sprouts as the best way to consume them.

Shalini also warns against adding raw, green, leafy vegetables like spinach to smoothies and salads. Raw spinach is highly concentrated in a compound called oxalate, which cannot be digested by the gut. When consumed raw, the oxalate combines with the calcium in the body, leading to the formation of kidney stones. Shalini advises that leafy vegetables should only be consumed after they are well-cooked.

Additionally, Shalini cautions against the 'most common mistake' of consuming caffeine, a common ingredient in coffee and tea, on an empty stomach. This can lead to acid reflux, which can cause damage to the gut. Shalini explains that while starting the day with one or more cups of tea and coffee is a deeply entrenched part of modern culture, it may not be the best thing for gut health.