ENZYMES

I wanted to give a great BIG "Thank You" to Barb Williams for being my guest on the Beyond Harmony radio show today. We had a great time and shared lots of helpful, healthy information.

To summarize:

     Enzymes are special proteins in our bodies that are essential for achieving and maintaining good health. They have 4 main functions: to break down food into usuable nutrients, to circulate and deliver those nutrients to the cells, to decrease inflammation and allergens, and to eliminate environmental and metabolic waste products. They keep our blood and the rest of our bodies healthy.
     Without enzymes we would die and unfortunately, with our SAD (standard American diet), many of us are dying slowly.
     We get the enzymes we need from the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat. The glands of our digestive organs also secrete enzymes. If we eat too much processed, overcooked food and not enough fresh, raw food, we can't get the enzymes we need. This leads to our glands having to overwork leading to chronic degenerative diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and others.
     Since it is a well known fact that over 85% of diseases are self-inflicted, isn't it a good idea to know how to make better lifestyle choices? One better choice is to eat more raw foods.
     Barb Williams and her family have recently made a high-quality decision to transition into a "raw food diet". This means that everything you eat has all the enzymes still intact. It doesn't mean that everything needs to be cold , just not heated above about 120*. Technically it can still be slightly cooked or warmed and still be raw. As long as the enzymes are still active. Barb shared with us some of the benefits of eating more raw foods: more energy, better sleep, fewer food cravings, clearer eyes and skin, and generally feeling better. She is just a normal gal like me; a real-life person who has 2 kids and they have been seeing the benefits, too!
     She says that the book RAWvolution by Matt Amsden is a great resource, and any book by Sarma Melngailis or Matthew Kenney are also good. Here are a couple of her favorite recipes:

EMERALD APPLESAUCE

2 LARGE APPLES
1/2 BUNCH (ABOUT 1 CUP) FRESH PARSLEY

Blend well in a blender and enjoy! Makes 2 cups

MARINATED BOK CHOY SALAD

5 HEADS BABY BOK CHOY
1/3 CUP EVOO
1/4 CUP NAMA SHOYU (RAW SOY SAUCE)
4 CLOVES GARLIC, PEELED

Starting from the bottom of the plant, chop the bok choy stalks into half inch pieces, leaving the leaves whole. In a blender, combine just the EVOO, Nama Shoyu and garlic. Blend thoroughly. Add the bok choy, toss well and serve! Makes 2 servings.