There are some people who like to drink juice of raw vegetables. Fitness freaks include as many green vegetables as possible in their diet. Supporters of such a diet claim that raw vegetables contain many essential vitamins and minerals which are lost during cooking and these are great for boosting immunity and preventing diseases. This may be true but eating anything in excess can prove to be dangerous for health. 

Winters are here and this is the season when green leafy vegetables are in abundance and people try to make the most of them by including them in their diet in every possible interesting way. Some people also prefer drinking raw vegetable juices during this season. But are all of these really healthy and safe? How should you eat green vegetables - by cooking them or by eating them in raw form? Ayurveda and gut health coach Dr Dimple Jangda, in her recent Instagram post, says that consuming raw foods in excess can lead to some stomach infections or indigestion.

Raw foods are more difficult for the body to digest than cooked foods, because cooked foods are already broken down by heat, spices, and the cooking method. They are more biologically available for absorption and reduce the stress on the digestive fire. Some raw foods also contain anti-nutrients that actually block the nutritional absorption of the foods altogether. Gentle cooking is recommended.

Experts say, if you are experiencing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, bloating, diarrhea or IBS, then your body is talking to you. Ayurveda does not recommend consuming large amounts of raw foods or cold foods, as they are home to parasites, which cannot be destroyed by just washing.

Raw Vegetables to Avoid

1. Raw spinach, chard, cauliflower contain oxalates which can worsen or form kidney stones and can also inhibit iron, calcium absorption when eaten in large amounts.

2. Raw kale contains goitrogens which can affect thyroid function in large amounts.

3. Consuming raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli in large quantities can disrupt the thyroid gland.

4. Eating raw kale or bok choy may cause bloating in some people.