Kita, I understand what you're saying, and it's true, some of those things could just be symptoms of modern unhealthy living.
But in a person who is
trying to live healthfully to the extent of eating raw, which takes a lot of motivation, they
might indicate things are not going well.
But I agree, it's not really a scientific sample or survey.
But those of us who have been vegan, or around vegans, for a long time know that pinched, pale, wan look in others that telegraphs an inadequate diet in someone who is zealous for health.
And there are plenty of anecdotes of people not doing well on vegan fare. I personally think it's not worth the risk if a woman is pregnant or nursing, even though I myself did it many years ago.
Until recently, I never considered that my broken teeth might possibly be connected with my mostly vegan diet. (Why that never occurred to me is an interesting question.) Now I am taking that possibility seriously.
I agree with Steve that gaining knowledge externally has its limitations, but some lessons are just too expensive to learn on your own. Some wheels should never be reinvented.
Here's a forum discussion on raw eating and dental issues:
Six cavities while on raw - Raw Food Talk
Here's a discussion of the various raw foods 'camps,' including Graham (who doesn't advocate smoothies [or nuts, the heart-health food], it seems):
Raw Sacramento News June 2006
I'm just trying to work this through for myself--pretty confusing, really.
Off-topic too--sorry!