Enzyme Rich Foods

     I am reading very informative book on nutrition titled, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-Z Guide to Supplements" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.  In the book she talks about the importance of Enzymes and how important they are for the human body.  And even though we naturally produce enzymes, we can get them from raw food as well.  Some great sources of enzymes are avocados, papayas, pineapple, bananas and mangos.  But one of the richest source of enzymes are sprouts.
     Enzymes need the help of coenzymes to become fully active.  Some of the most important coenzymes are the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, Vitamin E and zinc.  These vitamins can be found in the following; whole wheat products, brown rice, legumes, raw nuts, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli.  Of the B-complex vitamins, B12 is hard to find in vegetables but can be found in sea vegetables such as dulse, kelp, kombu and nori.  B12 is also found in soybeans and soy products.
     Now we have a list of enzyme and coenzyme foods.  So now we can create dishes by using these ingredients.  Below are the listed ingredients.

Enzymes                      Coenzymes               Sprouts                          Herbs
avocados                      whole wheat               soybean sprouts             parsley
papayas                        brown rice                  alfalfa sprouts                sage
pineapple                     legumes                      clover                             alfalfa
bananas                        raw nuts                      pea                                 peppermint
mangos                         potatoes                      sunflower                       fennel seed
broccoli                        tomatoes                     mustard                          cayenne
kale                               spinach                       watercress                      fenugreek
brussels sprouts            carrots                        cabbage                          paprika
cabbage                        broccoli                      quinoa                            thyme
                                     oranges                                                              rosemary
                                     seaweeds                       
                                     berries
                                     citrus fruit
                                     asparragus

Here are some examples of enzyme packed dish;

Spinach and avocado salad - almonds  - watercress sprouts - orange lentil dressing
Chilled asparagus - grapefruit - pea shoots - curried lemon mango dressing
Cabbage, broccoli and carrot stir fry - brown rice - pineapple - cashews
Chilled avocado and papaya soup - watercress oil - mustard sprouts
Stuffed spicy cabbage rolls - black beans - brown rice - tomatoes - spinach - walnuts
Steamed Brussels sprouts - rosemary potatoes - shaved carrots - fennel seed - pine nuts
Mango, papaya, pineapple, banana and avocado smoothie
Warm lentil soup - tomatoes - potatoes - carrots - kale - thyme
Shaved carrot and seaweed salad - soy walnut dressing
Chilled orange and carrot soup - shaved asparagus - quinoa sprouts - almond oil

Climbing Mallorcan Style

Almond Milk

     Enzymes, what are they and why do we need them?   Enzymes are protein molecules which digest our food, making food small enough to pass through the tiny pores of the intestines into the blood.  There are around 2,500 different enzymes.  Enzymes also destroy toxins, break down fats and cellulose, and metabolize starch and proteins.   Everything we do as a living creature requires enzymes.  Enzymes are the catalysts that make metabolism happen.  Without enzymes we would not exist.
     The more active our enzyme activity is the healthier we are.  If our enzyme activity is low we can experience some devastating activities.  For our bodies to operate at its peak, fight off illness and repair cells, enzymes need to be plentiful and strong.
     Dr. Nicholas Gonzales of NYC has been successful in treating cancer and other degenerative diseases using primarily megadoses of enzymes and enzyme-rich foods.  The strength of enzyme function is essential for the strength of our health and well-being.
     Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.  Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that can cause damage to cells, impairing the immune system and leading to infections and various degenerative diseases such as cancer.
     Free radicals are normally kept in check by the action of free radical scavengers that occur naturally in the body.  These scavengers neutralize the free radicals.  Certain enzymes serve this vital function.  But as we get older or we eat unhealthy foods our bodies produce less of these important enzymes.
     There are a number of phytochemicals and nutrients that act as antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and the mineral selenium.
     What is one of the best ways to fight off cancer and other degenerative diseases?  Eat plenty of foods that contain antioxidants and foods that contain enzymes that help digest the food but also allow our bodies to produce healthy enzymes in our bodies naturally.
     It is very simple to obtain antioxidants and enzymes.   You only have to eat plenty of raw nuts, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and sprouts.  But our diet in the modern world of fast food and busy, busy, busy has gotten us away from raw, fresh, natural produce.  This is a contributing factor to the increase of degenerative disease we are experiencing around the world today.
     So how easy is it to gain control of your health again?  Well, it is actually not that easy.  Why?  Because we have become accustomed to this specific way of eating and everybody around us is doing it.  But also because possibly you are fine right now.  So why change.  But then several years from now, BOOM!  How did I get diabetes?  How did I get cancer?  Why do I have bowel disorder, Crohn"s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic bronchitis, etc...
     Your doctor will never mention the words, "enzymes or antioxidants".  And if they do mention diet it will most likely be filled with animal protein, carbohydrates and cooked vegis.  But they will mention, "chemotherapy, radiation, azulfadine, coumadine, plavix, linzess, etc...
     Many of us would rather continue eating these artificial, unhealthy, heavily marketed foods because your doctor told you that all you have to do is take this blue pill every morning and you will be fine.  Have you ever read the side effects of that little blue pill?  Vomiting, head aches, dry mouth, loss of hearing, anxiety and even cancer!  But hey, my doctor gave it to me so it must be alright.  Wrong!  The system is wrong!  And you are wrong for taking that pill and not changing your diet!
    If you do want to change your diet then here is a great recipe to get you started on rebuilding your temple!  I hope you enjoy it.

Living the healthy life on Mallorca

Almond Milk

by Jeff Harter

Prep Time: 3 hours

Keywords: blender beverage vegetarian vegan sugar-free soy-free low-sodium low-carb kosher gluten-free fall

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This tasty and healthy milk can be used for smoothies, cereals, pancakes and just about anywhere you would use normal milk.

Ingredients (4 cups)

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tbsp agave syrup (optional)
• 3 cups purified water

Instructions

• Cover almonds in purified water and let soak in a cool place for 3 hours.
• Strain the almonds discard the water.
• Put the almonds, vanilla, agave syrup and water in a blender.
• Blend on high for about 3 minutes.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
• Store in the refrigerator; lasts for 3 days.

For more great recipes visit

    
   

Vegan Almond Strawberry Tapioca Pudding

For the past 3 months I have been cooking up a storm here in Mallorca.  This is the busiest time of year in Mallorca.  Up to 10 million people come here during the month of August alone.  So of course this is when private chefs are in high demand.  Unfortunately, it is not like this year round.  The off season allows time for other things like painting, gardening and writing in this blog.  This is my first entry in about 3 months and all I am going to do is post some pictures and talk to you about almonds.  Why almonds? Because Mallorca produces some of the best almonds in the world.  Because I am eating freshly harvested almonds while I write this and because they are so good for you.  Did you know that almonds are really seeds and related to peaches and apricots?
Why are almonds so healthy?
- Low in saturated fat
- Helps lower cholesterol 
- Contains magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid and zinc
- Contains vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Contains compounds called phytochemicals which may help fight cancer
- Contains 3 grams of fiber per ounce
- Contains 6 grams of protein per ounce

Due to the healthy fat content of almonds, it’s important to make sure that the almonds you eat have been stored properly and have not been roasted at high temperatures, otherwise the fats can oxidize and produce free radicals.
The best way to ensure that your almonds are fresh is to buy raw, fresh almonds and store them in the refrigerator.  For long-term storage keep them in the freezer.
If you prefer the taste of roasted almonds, plan to roast them at home to ensure that the healthy fat contained in the almond is not damaged, as is often the case with commercial roasting.
Roasting at 160°F for 15 to 20 minutes should be about right.  Just make sure to avoid temperatures above 170°F as this has been shown to damage the somewhat delicate fat contained in the almond.
 Although almonds are a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid ( a.k.a. Omega 9 fatty acid), it seems that there is more to the health benefits of almonds than just this healthy fat.  Researchers believe that it’s the combination of healthy fat and antioxidants that is responsible for the numerous health benefits that almonds display.
Consuming 10 raw almonds first thing in the morning on an empty stomach helps to maintain a proper PH level in your body.  
But remember not to eat to many or your consuming to much fat, so about an ounce a day which is about 23 almonds.
So come on people, whachya waiting for?  Dive into them there almonds and enjoy.

Cooking on top of Mallorca

Chilled vegan almond strawberry tapioca pudding

by Jeff Harter

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 10 mins

Keywords: blender dessert low-carb low-sodium soy-free sugar-free vegan vegetarian

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Healthy, fun and delicious.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Almond Strawberry Tapioca

• 2 cups almond milk, split
• 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup
• some ice cubes
• 2 cups frozen strawberries or fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoon almond butter
• Almonds or strawberries for garnish

Instructions

• Combine 1 cup almond milk and tapioca in a small saucepan.
• Let soak 5 minutes, then turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until tapioca is translucent.
• Take off heat and pour into a glass or metal bowl and let cool slightly about 5 minutes, stirring once every minute then stir in vanilla and agave syrup.
• Cover with plastic wrap on surface then place in fridge and let cool completely.
• Combine remaining 1 cup of almond milk and remaining ingredients in a blender, blending until smooth.
• Add cooled tapioca mixture and gently stir together with wooden spoon or spatula until well incorporated. Pour into 4 glasses/bowls and garnish with chopped almonds or strawberries.