Chef Johan's Raw & Tasty

Posts Tagged ‘raw 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

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.

Tossed Crunchy Sweet and Sour Salad

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

This delicious and easy to make Tomatillo Salsa is a great topping to any Mexican dish, or as a dip for your favorite chips!

Ingredients

2 Tomatillos, Coarsely Chopped

1/2 Small Haas Avocado

1 1/2  tbsp. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1  tsp. Celtic Sea Salt

6 sprigs Fresh Cilantro, Coarsely Chopped

1  tbsp. Fresh Jalapeño Pepper, Coarsely Chopped

Method

Process first 7 ingredients in food processor until smooth.  Slowly add the Jalapeño pepper until salsa is as hot as desired, or leave out completely for a mild salsa.

Servings: 6

Source: Raw & Tasty Gourmet

Since getting back from Chicago, I have been flooded with requests for a Raw Food Box program here in Houston.  I would love to oblige and I am trying to work out the logistics of setting up such a program.  To help me figure some of this out and to let people who are interested in participating, I will be hosting a series of small groups to sample some of the raw dishes which might be included in the box meals.  The feedback is priceless for me and will help me determine how much is a fair price for such a program, what would be the best times & dates to pick up the food, as well as the quality and taste of the food itself.

Last night was a great success!  After a long day in the kitchen, I dished out Lasagna, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Moroccan Couscous, Mediterranean Kale Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Gazpacho, Apple Pie, and Cheesecake.   With the help from friends last night, I’ve narrowed the price per box meal to somewhere between $8 and $11 per person, which is pretty fair considering everything including the cheese has to be made from scratch, I use the best organic ingredients, and such items as pine nuts, goji berries, almonds, pecans, sun dried tomatoes, etc., and making raw dishes is extremely labor intensive.   These are some of the comments I received about  the food.  ”The lasagna was a great syncopy of mushrooms with spinach,” “The cheesecake is perfect!  Do you have it in peach?” and “How do you get the Couscous so soft and fluffy?” to which I replied “I don’t use Couscous!”   I was also told that my food “has gone to a whole new level” since getting my Raw Chef Certification.

I plan on hosting the next tasting in early November, I hope it goes as well as the first one!!

By: Delicia Beaty and Sharon Foutch

Soaking nuts, grains, seeds, and legumes
Nature has set it up so that the nut, grain and seed may survive until proper growing conditions are present. Nature’s defense mechanism includes nutritional inhibitors and toxic substances that can be removed naturally when there is enough precipitation to sustain a new plant after the nut, grain or seed germinates. When it rains the nut, grain or seed gets wet and can then germinate to produce a plant. So we are mimicking nature when we soak our nuts, grains and seeds.

Nutritional inhibitors and toxic substances found in nuts grains and seed can be minimized or eliminated by soaking. These inhibitors and toxic substances are enzyme inhibitors, phytates (phytic acid), polyphenols (tannins), and goitrogens.

What are Enzyme inhibitors?
There are digestive enzymes and metabolic enzymes. Digestive enzymes help break down food. Metabolic enzymes help every biological process the body does. Enzyme inhibitors will clog, warp or denature an active site of an enzyme. They may also bind to the enzyme, which will prevent the intended molecule from binding. “Once again, the habits of traditional peoples should serve as a guide. They understood instinctively that nuts are best soaked or partially sprouted before eaten. This is because nuts contain numerous enzyme inhibitors that can put a real strain on the digestive mechanism if consumed in excess.”

What are Phytates?
“All grains contain phytic acid in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc in the intestinal tract and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. The modern misguided practice of consuming large amounts of unprocessed bran often improves colon transit time at first but may lead to irritable bowel syndrome and, in the long term, many other adverse effects.”

Why soak nuts, grains and seeds?

• 1. To remove or reduce phytic acid.
• 2. To remove or reduce tannins.
• 3. To neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.
• 4. To encourage the production of beneficial enzymes.
• 5. To increase the amounts of vitamins, especially B vitamins.
• 6. To break down gluten and make digestion easier.
• 7. To make the proteins more readily available for absorption.
• 8. To prevent mineral deficiencies and bone loss.
• 9. To help neutralize toxins in the colon and keep the colon clean.
• 10. To prevent many health diseases and conditions.

“Soaking allows enzymes, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains. Soaking in warm water also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, present in all seeds, and encourages the production of numerous beneficial enzymes. The action of these enzymes also increases the amount of many vitamins, especially B vitamins. During the process of soaking and fermenting, gluten and other difficult-to-digest proteins are partially broken down into simpler components that are more readily available for absorption.”

What can be used to soak nuts, grains and seeds?
I have found many references to soaking nuts, grains, and seeds in water, salt water, or a warm water mixture with something acidic like yogurt, whey or lemon juice. It seems within 7 to 24 hours the enzyme inhibitors are neutralized and the anti-nutrients are broken down regardless of the method you choose. There is evidence that the process works when you see sprouting begin.

How long does the soaking process take?
“As little as seven hours of soaking in warm acidulated water will neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains. The simple practice of soaking cracked or rolled cereal grains overnight will vastly improve their nutritional benefits.” “Flour products should be soaked at room temperature for at least twelve hours but better results may be obtained with a twenty-four hour soaking.”

Are the nuts, grains and seeds used wet?
I have enjoyed almonds wet. If you choose to try consuming anything in the soaked state, make little batches and store them in the refrigerator. Usually everything that is soaked is dried in a dehydrator or oven on the lowest possible setting for 24 – 48 hours to remove all moisture.

Wheat berries can be soaked whole for 8 to 22 hours, then drained and rinsed. Some recipes use the whole berries while they are wet, such as cracker dough ground right in the food processor. You can also dry sprouted wheat berries in a low-temperature oven or dehydrator, and then grind them in your grain mill and use the flour in a variety of recipes. Nuts, grains, seeds and legumes can be ground up to use as flour in many recipes after they have been dried.

Any advice on what to do with legumes?
Maureen Diaz recommends soaking any beans or legumes in water and vinegar for at least twelve hours before cooking. Soaked and dried beans may be ground up and used as flour for thickening and baking. This is helpful for those on a gluten free diet.

One recommendation includes placing soaked kombu or kelp seaweed in the bottom of the pot when soaking legumes. Add one part seaweed to six or more parts legumes. This is for improved flavor and digestion, more nutrients, and faster cooking. “Soak legumes for twelve hours or overnight in four parts water to one part legume. For best results, change the water once or twice. Lentils and whole dried peas require shorter soaking, while soybeans and garbanzos need to soak longer. Soaking softens skins and begins the sprouting process, which eliminates phytic acid, thereby making more minerals available. Soaking also promotes faster cooking and improved digestibility, because the gas-causing enzymes and trisaccharides in legumes are released into the soak water. Be sure to discard the soak water. After bringing legumes to a boil, scoop off and discard foam. Continue to boil for twenty minutes without lid at beginning of cooking to let steam rise (breaks up and disperses indigestible enzymes).”

Source (pdf): wss.nourishingconnections.org

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

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