Raw meal is latest diet fad

It might sound like an unsavoury prospect - but eating nothing but raw food has become the latest diet fad.

Restaurants serving uncooked meals have opened up throughout the US and Britain has joined the trend with its first raw food restaurant - The Little Earth Cafe in Primrose Hill, North London.

Devotees include film stars Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson and even chef Gordon Ramsay has urged people to eat more raw meat.

Veal, beef or venison can be eaten raw if specially prepared.

The diet is based on the belief that living foods contain essential enzymes which aid digestion and health. Heating foods above 47°C destroys those enzymes. Fans say they have more energy and need less sleep, while the diet's promoters say the best thing about it is that you can eat as much as you want.

But nutritionists have some doubts, saying that limiting the variety of foods can lead to deficiencies.

One said: 'Raw isn't always best. Sometimes cooked foods give you more nutrients.'

And even chefs warn that it is important to use the freshest meat you can buy to ensure it is safe to eat.