Dehydrator Nutrition Concerns

[julesmoz]

Does anyone else feel that dehydrators compromise nutrition somewhat? What would you say to these reservations?

To me it seems like . . .

Blowing air over the food for so long would cause a lot of oxidation
Dehydrated foods would be hard to digest
The food could get slightly cooked*

*I was researching dehydrators and called the makers of the American Harvest Snackmaster. It has a variable temperature control starting at 95 degrees. However, the customer service rep that I spoke with said that the temp starts at 95 degrees, but as the food dehydrates, it gets hotter and hotter, evenutally ending up around 133 degrees.

I definitely see that dehydrators are a great tool to help people stay raw, especially during the transition time. I'm sure I would use one if I had it. But from an "optimizing your diet" standpoint, is it better to just stay fresh?

I'm not at all trying to be a wet blanket - just trying to learn!

Thanks.

[Kris]

Hello julesmoz,

Yes, I think many of us would agree with you -- the fresher the food, the more nutritious. But many of us here are also in transition, and by "in transition," I mean we are ready to dump the SAD junk, but not quite ready to eat 100% plain, raw fruits and veggies. I know that's exactly where I am.

Here's my take on it: while dehydrated food is marginally raw, so are many other items (cashews, cacao, etc.). If an occasional dehydrated treat keeps me from going nuts on potato chips, I'll take it! It's all a process, my friend.

[Rawkinlocs]

Hello julesmoz,

Yes, I think many of us would agree with you -- the fresher the food, the more nutritious. But many of us here are also in transition, and by "in transition," I mean we are ready to dump the SAD junk, but not quite ready to eat 100% plain, raw fruits and veggies. I know that's exactly where I am.

Here's my take on it: while dehydrated food is marginally raw, so are many other items (cashews, cacao, etc.). If an occasional dehydrated treat keeps me from going nuts on potato chips, I'll take it! It's all a process, my friend.

Beautifully stated Kris :) Jules, you can eat the dehydrated foods and not feel badly about doing so but follow the leading of your own bodily needs and you will NATURALLY and gradually wean off of the dehydrated foods (whether altogether or just having them once in a while) and eat more natural, whole, fresh foods. I don't find that my food from my Nesco got as hot as 135 when it was set to 95 or even 110! I'd KNOW it by touching it. Now, if you set it on a temp such as 120, then it will definitely get that hot if not hotter. But if in doubt, get a candy or meat thermometer and insert it into the food after it's been in there for so long and see if it, in fact, gets that hot...but from someone who has used one for little less than 2 years, I can vouch that my food was never THAT hot or even remotely near that temp.

[julesmoz]

I totally agree! I'm not at all condemning people for using dehydrators, and I definitely see how huge of a help they can be while people are transitioning. I'd be using one, too, if I had it :) I was just asking from a purely health point of view, as I eventually want to adopt the healthiest diet possible. Thanks for your input!

[Rawkinlocs]

I totally agree! I'm not at all condemning people for using dehydrators, and I definitely see how huge of a help they can be while people are transitioning. I'd be using one, too, if I had it :) I was just asking from a purely health point of view, as I eventually want to adopt the healthiest diet possible. Thanks for your input!

Well, I'd say that fresh, natural, whole foods are the most optimal and healthiest, no doubt.

[greeninlosangeles]

And I noticed that I need my crakers less and less. But I will not sell my dehydrator, because it is nice to prepare something for my friends and husband who are not raw to show them, that it would not be that hard to eat raw.

[sassafrass]

I'm glad someone asked this question, b'cuz I had had the same thought. How do I choose a dehydrator if I know I'm going to use it mostly for my non-raw dh and dc? There's some on Amazon for $40; will they be complete crap? Also, is there a good reference (a book?) for a newbie like me?

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Sassafrass- I have 6-7 raw books now & by far the best is Alissa's book/ DVD combo. If you don't know you can order through this site. It makes Raw so much easier. before seeing the DVD, I had read a few books & was very confused on just what to do. The book & DVD combo make Raw so much easier to understand.

I bought the 9 tray dehydrater (Excalibur) & I love it. I use it alot, esp. for flax crackers & some raw gourmet. My husband eats all my Raw & then adds his non-raw to it. The money I have saved on store bought crackers alone have definitely paid for the Excalibur.

Others have used the Wal-mart one, it just depends on how much you want to spend. From what it sounds like, you may want to go the Wal-mart route-to avoid shipping.

Good luck to you.
Lana

[SamuelWilson]

You can buy a meat thermometer at walmart for around $5 if anyone is concerned about the temperature not being what you set with the dial. Also, one of the features of an Excalibur is the fact that it does not create any hot spots, so you can count on the temperature being in line with what you set it at.

I have also had my concerns about the relationship between dehydrators and enzymes. However, if dehydrator is operated at temperatures below 118, then the enzyme loss should be minimal, if any. I mean dates hang on trees in the desert at 118 degrees all day long and they are very much full of enzymes.

http://www.alissacohen.com/images/pics/products/dehydrator.jpg

I recommend that you purchase the Excalibur because I think it is a great investment. I would go ahead and purchase the 9 tray model over the 5 tray model just because you get so much more dehydrating space. To purchase the 9 tray model, click here => http://www.alissacohen.com/dehydrator9tray.html

[julesmoz]

Thanks for the replies. It's nice to know that the dehydrators don't get too hot!

[misslinda]

I had the Amercan Harvest Snackmaster at one time until I realized the importance of temp control. Mine didn't have one and the rep said it was 145 degrees. I threw mine away.