Chef Johan's Raw & Tasty

Posts Tagged ‘diet’

We’ve all seen a colony of ants. All those little workers rushing around doing their jobs. It seems so random, but they are each doing something very specific that needs to be done for the good of the whole colony.

That’s what I imagine enzymes to be like. Enzymes are really proteins – hard working proteins. They are catalysts that facilitate and speed up the different reactions in the body. One of the jobs of digestive enzymes is to help break down the large molecules of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and other components of the foods we eat.

If you experience gas, bloating, irregular bowels, burping, or other digestive discomforts after eating, you may be feeling the consequences of not enough digestive enzymes. Having enough enzymes – all the different types – is key to good health. Food is your body’s fuel and incomplete digestion and assimilation of that fuel leads to mal-nourishment at the cellular level. If the cells aren’t healthy the whole body suffers.

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced within your body. We also get enzymes from raw foods. Many children are eating lots of processed food on a daily basis. Processed food, even the healthier versions, are lacking those essential enzymes, which are heat sensitive.

Including raw foods (foods that have not been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit) is important because the enzymes are still viable.

The average American diet is responsible for the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, stroke, etc. Why is diet so important for our health? Because the food (and supplements) we consume provide our cells the nutrients to survive and function. That’s why in holistic medicine we focus on the health of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, where the food is digested and assimilated into the body.

Throughout the GI tract, from the mouth through the intestines, enzymes are secreted from glands to help digest the fat, carbohydrates and proteins we eat. We also consume enzymes through RAW food. Enzymes are denatured (inactivated) by heat. So the enzymes in cooked food lose their function, which is to increase the rates of chemical reactions within the body.

“Although the body can manufacture enzymes,
the more you use your enzyme potential,
the faster it is going to run out…”
- Dr. Edward Howell (Noted Pioneer in the field of Enzyme Research)

Supporting our body with RAW food, supports our enzyme supply. Raw foods contain all the enzymes necessary for their own digestion. Eating too much processed and cooked food and too little live, raw food can result in enzyme deficiencies.

There is research to support the health benefits of enzymes, for example:
 Bromelain (an enzyme found in fresh pineapple) has been found to have anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory properties are huge since chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases including allergies, asthma, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Very Important: Enzymes rely on vitamins and minerals to function properly.

“Enzymes are complex proteins that act as catalysts in almost every biochemical process that takes place in the body. Their activity depends on the presence of adequate vitamins and minerals. Many enzymes incorporate a single molecule of a trace mineral —such as copper, iron or zinc —without which the enzyme cannot function.”
Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD

Source: http://www.nourishmd.com/

Ingredients

1 cup raw macadamia nuts 1 cup organic raisins 2 avocados, peeled and seeded 1 cup raw honey (you could use dates if you’re vegan) 1 vanilla bean (soak for an hour or so if it’s dried) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon grated fresh or frozen ginger 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup water 4 cups (960 ml) raw pumpkin, peeled 4-8 tablespoons ground psyllium husks Pie shell of choice

Directions

Soak the macadamia nuts in water overnight. Drain and rinse a few times.

Soak the raisins in water for 1-2 hours – no longer! We just want to soften them slightly.

Combine all ingredients in a blender except pumpkin and psyllium husks. I have an eight-cup Vita-Mix – which is pretty big – and I had to do this in two batches. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth.

Now is a good time to add the pumpkin. Blend until smooth.

Most blenders will not be able to handle blending in the psyllium husks at this point, so transfer the filling to a bowl and whip in the psyllium by hand. Once the psyllium is well combined, quickly pour into the pie shell. Refrigerate for a few hours until stiff; overnight if possible.

Author: Leisa Wheeler N.D. is a Naturopath, proven Health & Healing Mentor and Raw Food Coach.

Detoxification is a natural healing process needed more than ever in today`s toxic world. With the onslaught of chemicals in our food, air and water, we can all do with undergoing a specific program of periodic cleansing. An approach that is designed to lower the toxic burden accumulated in our tissues, while supporting the organs of elimination in a supportive and nurturing environment, is the type of program that will offer the most effective results in our pursuit of outstanding health.

What is detoxification?

We have all heard about the role of detoxification in creating great health; and many of us have experienced the detox process, some by attending a health retreat designed for this purpose, and some by virtue of a supervised fast or cleansing program initiated by a naturopathic practitioner.

But what exactly is detoxification, and what is happening in the body when we engage in this type of specialized program?

Essentially, detoxification is the body`s ongoing process of neutralizing and eliminating toxins from the tissues and organs of the body. It is the job of the liver to take harmful chemicals, toxins and byproducts of metabolism from the bloodstream, and alter them into safer substances to be excreted via the organs of elimination.

This process is always happening automatically, just like we breathe and our hearts beat, and it`s not something we need to think about on a day to day basis. It is a natural state of the body to be continually cleansing, and most of the time we don`t even notice it is happening.

With the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in our environment, our food, our personal care and cleaning products, in air and water pollution, and in the recreational drugs and medications that many people take; our body burden of toxic substances can rise. It is estimated that there are 50,000+ chemicals in production, with 10,000 of these used in food processing.

When the liver is unable to deal with an excess amount of circulating toxins, they can continue to move through the body, causing disruption and damage, before eventually being stored mainly in the fat cells of our organs and tissues, often being stored for years or decades.

Depending on the type of toxins held in the body, we can experience all sorts of chronic and degenerative conditions that have their underlying cause in an overwhelming burden of chemical overload. For example, one molecule of mercury can inhibit the function of up to 1000 zinc molecules.
By engaging in a “detoxification program” we are actively assisting and supporting the body in its own natural cleansing actions, to help in ridding the body of substances that may be detrimental to our health.

Why a specialized detox?

Before essential nutrients can become available to the cells for renewal and repair, we need to remove:

Metabolic waste
Excess proteins (fibrosis)
Mucous
Fat
Calcium
Heavy metals
Chemical residues
Drugs
Pollution
Radiation

Is there only one disease?

Many schools of thought promote the concept of there only being “one disease”, that of toxaemia.

This theory proposes that if the body can be kept free and clear of toxic debris and waste, and if good nutrition is provided, the body`s natural healing processes will enable it to heal from any disease.

All effective natural healing methods combine some type of detoxification process.

What is involved in a detoxification program?

In the natural medicine world, a detox is a specific program of dietary changes and often herbal support to:

1)lower the amount of chemicals being ingested,
2)to provide nutrients that enhance the body`s natural processes,
3)to support the organs of elimination in clearing toxins out of the body quickly and safely

There are many styles of detox programs, but the best ones are those undertaken in an environment where all of these factors can be addressed, and there is an opportunity to rest and relax and focus on healing.

1)Lowering ingested chemicals

The first part of detoxification involves lowering the ingestion of not only chemicals in the diet, but often also lowering the amount of food consumed, to give the digestive system a rest and to allow energy to be diverted to cleansing rather than digesting.

Fasting is a universal natural response to disease, and there are several ways to fast; water only, juices, and mono foods being the most common.

To this end, most detox diets will involve a period of fasting, such as drinking only freshly made vegetable juices for several days. Only organic produce should be used for the juicing, to ensure no pesticides or other chemicals or contaminants are consumed.

After a juice fast, it is sensible to spend a period of time eating plain organic fruits and vegetables to allow the body time to adjust to whole foods again, while keeping the burden of ingested toxins to a very low level.

Water fasting can be too extreme for most people in today`s world, as we are carrying such a load of toxins that we need more than just our stores of nutrients to help the body to detoxify them properly. Many people are already malnourished and depleted, so water fasting is not appropriate in these cases.

Fresh organic juice provides a plentiful supply of enzymes to assist in the breakdown of toxic matter, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to protect from free radical damage.

24 hours after starting a juice program, pancreatic enzymes are no longer needed for the digestion of food and can start digesting waste matter in the body. Not only do they start breaking down debris in the colon, but they can travel through the body and start digesting damaged cells, microbes, metabolic waste, acids, fibrosis, atherosclerotic plaques and deposits in the joints

2)Providing nutrients

As toxins are being released for excretion during the fasting phase, these substances can be highly reactive and create free radical damage. Not only as they circulate, but when they are processed through the first phase of liver detoxification, dangerous metabolites can be produced. A high level of antioxidants can offset this danger and protect the liver and the cells of the body.

This is why juice fasting can be so advantageous, as it supplies an enormous amount of concentrated vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily absorbed. Organic juice means no toxins are being ingested and by being in a clean environment this lowers the daily burden.

Some detox programs also support the body with green nutrition such as wheat or barley grass, chlorella or spirulina. These green foods supply a high dose of nutrients, protein for the binding of toxins, and chlorophyll which is a powerful blood cleanser.

Healing nutrients:

By juice fasting and supplementing with concentrated green nutrition and herbs with fiber, we offer our body all it needs to cleanse and heal:

Enzymes
Vitamins
Minerals
Antioxidants
Carbohydrates
Chlorophyll
Protein
Fiber

Enzymes: enzymes are specialized proteins that accelerate or instigate chemical reactions within our cells. Malfunction of just one type of enzyme can be fatal.

All animals eat foods which also contain enzymes for their own digestion

Enzyme reserves can be depleted by cooked food; the demands on digestion from cooked foods means that enzyme activity is used for digestion rather than cleansing and healing purposes elsewhere in the body.

Enzymes are at the heart of physiologic healing, they have been called the “spark of life”, a deficiency of which has been linked to chronic and degenerative illnesses

Metabolic enzymes build, cleanse and heal the body:

“After two decades of microscopic analysis of the cellular systems of thousands of people who have been guests at Hippocrates, we discovered and confirmed that digestive enzymes and enzymes found within plant foods clearly enhance the electrical frequency in and around cells of the body.”
Dr. Brian Clements
Author of “Hippocrates LifeForce, Superior health and longevity”
Director Hippocrates Health Institute, Florida, for over 25 years

Vitamins: essential for life, they are co-factors in enzymatic reactions and required for producing energy needed for detoxification.

Minerals: essential for life, they are co-factors in enzymatic reactions, are required for
energy production, and are utilized in the liver for the binding of toxins.

Antioxidants: required for neutralizing free radical damage caused by circulating toxins, and by Phase 1 liver detox processes.

Carbohydrates: provide fuel for energy.

Chlorophyll: cleansing, blood building, antibacterial, antiseptic, alkalizing and oxygenating.

Protein: is found in concentrated green nutrition and is needed for binding toxins via the liver.

Fiber: acts like an intestinal broom to drag toxins, mucoid plaque and heavy metals out of the bowel, and provide fuel for the good bacteria colonies.

3)Supporting the organs of elimination

There are many organs and systems involved in the detoxification process, but some are more important than others and supporting their function results in a more thorough and pleasant detox.

Liver: the liver is the organ which does the most work during a detox. It takes pollutants out of the bloodstream, identifies them and makes them safe for excretion.

The first stage of this is called Phase 1 Liver Detox and that involves making fat soluble toxins more water soluble, so that they can be eliminated through the bowels or the kidneys. The outcome of Phase 1 is highly reactive toxic metabolites waiting for Phase 2 treatment. A high level of antioxidants are needed to balance and neutralize these substances.

Phase 2 Liver Detox uses various protein molecules to bind these intermediate products and make them safe to be eliminated.

Bowel: a lot of toxins are excreted through the bowel, so a well-functioning, moving bowel is an essential part of the detox. Many detox programs include bowel herbs, bulking fiber such as psyllium husks, products like bentonite clay which bind toxins, or cleanses such as enemas or colonic irrigation.

By cleansing and supporting the bowel in this way, we ensure the maximum removal of toxic substances.

Kidneys: the kidneys are another organ that filters and processes a large number of toxins. During a cleanse, drinking plenty of fluid supports kidney function, and using juices such as watermelon, celery, cucumber or black cherry can all enhance their detoxification ability.

Kidneys are also the repository for our “chi” energy or lifeforce, so plenty of rest, meditation, keeping warm and gentle movement, will all help to revitalize and nourish our kidney energy.

Skin: the skin can release many toxins, especially when it is helped by dry skin body brushing, and by spending time in a sauna. Both of these practices enhance the effectiveness of our detoxification, not only by allowing the release of toxins through the skin, but by moving our lymphatic system which drains and transports many waste products.

Breath: yes, you often will have “detox breath” during a cleanse! Our lungs are powerful
movers of toxic matter, and deep breathing during yoga or meditation is another tool we use
to support our body.

How long do we fast for?

Short fasts, or fasting one day a week are not a good practice.

During the first day of the fast, glucose levels drop and glycogen reserves can be depleted. The body will then start to draw on protein from the tissues to create glucose.

Following day one, the body adapts and starts to use fat as a source of energy and preserves protein. One day fasts will deplete body protein and serve no purpose for deeper detoxification of stored toxins in fat tissues.

Three days is a minimum, but the general rule is to fast until you feel hungry again. Not from habit, but from a true hunger.

Intermittent fasting can extent lifespan by 20-30%

“Studies have shown that fasted cells have the capacity for assimilation and growth characterized by the cells of young animals, demonstrating beyond doubt that fasting rejuvenates cellular function.”
Sergius Morgulis, “Fasting and Undernutrition”. University of Nebraska, E.P. Dutton, New York 1923.

What is a healing crisis?

A healing crisis is also known as the “Herxheimer Reaction” where the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be disposed of, resulting in a possible increase in symptoms, or at times nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness or mood swings.

Many people are reluctant to participate in a detoxification program because they are worried about feeling ill or experiencing some type of healing crisis during the detox.

The first day there are often the common symptoms such as the “caffeine withdrawal” headache, but days two and onwards are when the deeper toxins are being removed

These symptoms, however, are much more likely to occur when the organs of elimination are not properly supported. During a professional cleansing program, these reactions are minimized, as every element is designed to move toxins quickly out of the body, for a pleasant and comfortable experience.

How will I feel afterwards?

A comprehensive supervised detox program of at least a week`s duration once or twice a year works well. After spending that period of time cleansing, building your nutritive status, resting and healing, you will feel like a different person!

Skin often becomes clearer, eyes become brighter, energy and vitality expands, sleep is improved, aches and pains are gone, the bowel works better, mental clarity and concentration is improved, and many people shed a few extra kilos over the week.

By lowering your body burden of toxins, you may very well be helping to prevent the chronic health consequences that can come from long term exposure to the thousands of chemical pollutants saturating our environment today.

What a wonderful gift to give yourself!

Sources:
The Hundred Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald
Lifeforce by Dr. Brian R. Clement
Be Your Own Doctor by Ann Wigmore
Detox and Live by Hilda Hemmes
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Juices by Norman Walker

I made this delicious salad  for quick dinner last night and it was just too good no to share.

Ingredients

1/3 head nappa cabbage, thinly sliced
1 bunch watercress , stemmed
1 bunch spinach leaves, stemmed and sliced
8 ounces mung bean sprouts
3 ounces snow peas, cut into strips lenghwise
4 red Thai or serrano chillies, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, pressed
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons nama shoyu
4 tablespoons organic sucanat, (may substitute with other sweetener)
4 tablespoons canola oil

Garnish
4 green onions, cut into strips
1 handful fresh mint, cut into strips
1 handful fresh basil, cut into strips
1/4 cup jungle peanuts or your favorite nut, chopped coarsely

Method

Combine the first 11 ingredients in a large bowl and toss until ingredients are evenly mixed. Sprinkle with the herbs and nuts to garnish.
Servings: 6
Source: Adapted from World Food Cafe

Ingredients

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 celery stalk

1/8 medium onion

1/3 carrot

2 tbsp minced fresh parsley

seasonings as desired

Directions

Soak the sunflower seeds for at least 1 hour until soft.  In food processor combine onion, celery, and carrot, and chop until fine.  Add the soaked sunflower seed, salt,  parsley, and any desired seasonings.  Process till finely chopped (do not over-process or the end result will be a pate which makes a great dip).  Serve by itself,  stuffed into a tomato, bell pepper, mushroom, or rolled in a lettuce leaf.

Sprouting takes a nut or seed that is dormant and brings it to life. You can watch as a food that has been sitting in a bag on a shelf for months begins to grow a little sprout and transforms. One of the easiest foods to sprout is buckwheat. Buckwheat becomes packed with live enzymes and vital nutrients when sprouted.

Sprouted buckwheat is an amazing food because it tastes like a grain but is actually gluten and wheat free and not a grain at all. It is one of the most complete sources of protein on the planet, containing all eight essential amino acids. This makes it perfect for diabetics and those who want to cut down on their sugary carbohydrates and to balance their blood sugar levels. It is also known to lower high blood pressure.

Sprouted buckwheat also cleanses the colon and alkalizes the body. Buckwheat is a wonderful super food for people who have varicose veins or hardening of the arteries. One of the reasons is that it is full of rutin, which is a compound that is known as a powerful capillary wall strengthener. When veins become weak, blood and fluids accumulate and leak into nearby tissues, which may cause varicose veins or hemorrhoids.

This healing food is also rich in lecithin, making it a wonderful cholesterol balancerbecause lecithin soaks up “bad” cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed. Lecithin neutralizes toxins and purifies the lymphatic system, taking some of the load off of the liver. Sprouted buckwheat is also a brain boosting super food. 28% of the brain is actually made up of lecithin. Research suggests that regularly consuming foods rich in lecithin may actually prevent anxiety, depression, brain fog, mental fatigue and generally make the brain sharper and clearer.

Buckwheat is high in iron so it is a good blood builder. It also prevents osteoporosis because of its high boron and calcium levels. Sprouted buckwheat is high in bio-flavonoids and co-enzyme Q10. It contains all of the B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, as well as many other health giving compounds.

How to Sprout Buckwheat

Place 1 1/2 Cups of buckwheat groats into a bowl and cover it with 2- 3 times as much room temperature water. Mix the seeds up so that none are floating on the top. Allow the seeds to soak for about an hour. Drain the water in a colander and let them stand, rinsing 3 times per day with cool water for 2 days. You will notice a gooey substance on the buckwheat, which is starch. Make sure that you wash this off thoroughly. Spouts will form after a day or two.

Sprouted Buckwheat Breakfast Cereal

(serves 4)
2 cups of sprouted buckwheat
1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
1 cup of chopped seasonal fruit (apple, orange, banana etc)
1/2 cup raisins
1 or 2 tablespoons of honey to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and serve chilled.

Article Source: www.naturalnews.com

Ingredients:
1 small head of cauliflower
1 turnip, small dice
1 carrot, small dice
1 tbs. garlic, minced
1 tbs. shallot, minced
2 dried apricots, diced
2 dates, diced
4 leaves dinosaur kale, chopped
2 tbs. pine nuts
2 tbs. olive oil
1 tbs. nama shoyu
1 tbs. tamarind, soaked at least 30 minutes in 3 tbs. water
2 tsp. cumin seed
2 tsp. corriander seed
1 tsp. fresh tumeric root
1 tbs. cilantro
1 tbs. mint
1 jalapeno, minced

Preparation:
To prepare the cauliflower, you want to break it down to the smallest piece you can — the best way we’ve found is to grab a large piece and start by snapping off the big stem and begin to “flake” the smaller pieces off by working around the head using your thumb to pull them apart. It’s a little tedious to be sure, but you really want small pieces here. Add them to a large mixing bowl.

Dice the carrot, turnip, dates and apricot into small 1/4″ pieces. Mince the jalapeno, shallot and garlic. Shred the kale into 1/4″ strips. Add all of these plus the pine nuts to the cauliflower mixture.

Add the olive oil and nama shoyu, stir to combine.

Push the soaked tamarind pulp through a fine mesh strainer over the bowl. Stir to combine.

Add the freshly ground cumin seed, coriander seed, grated turmeric root, black pepper, chopped mint and cilantro. Stir to combine.

Check for seasonings — it may need a pinch of sea salt to balance the tamarind.

At this point you could eat it as is — or you can dehydrate it for two hours at 105F to bring all of the flavors together. You may need two dehydrator shelves so it lays in a single layer.

These are wonderful to serve for an impressive meal. They are VERY easy to make, but look and taste much more gourmet.
Serves 6

Wraps
4 C organic corn (fresh or frozen, whichever is available to you)
1/3 C ground flax seeds
1/4 C ground sunflower seeds
1/4 C orange juice
1/4 C lime juice
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Preparation:

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour out to about 1/8″ thickness onto a non-stick dehydrator sheet and place in a dehydrator for 3 hours at 110 degrees. Carefully peel off wraps and flip onto mesh dehydrator screen and continue drying for one more hour. Cut into large squares and place veggie filling* in center. Roll up, top with favorite salsa or avocado sauce and enjoy.

*Our “recipe” for the filling is nothing more than a variety of favorite minced veggies (such as spinach, carrot, squash), a little onion and some seasonings.

Recipe provided by Purely Delicious Magazine