Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

Manus — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:20:26 GMT

There appears to be general agreement on the need for supplementation with enzymes. The reasons given are :

1. Refinement of staple foods.

2. Processing.

3. Heating.

4. Advancing age.

These are all legitimate reasons. However, one extra-ordinary reason for supplementation with enzymes resides in the undeniable fact that most of the produce on the market lacks it's full quota of essential enzymes as a result of being grown in soils largely fertilized with NPK and often lacking in micro and trace minerals. It matters not what precautions you take to ensure the raw nature of your dietary intake when the basic building blocks are missing right from the very start. Even organically grown food may very well lack the essential minerals and elements required for proper enzymatic production if they are not available to the plants from the soil. If it is not in the soil, it will NOT be in the plant.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

harrow — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:05:45 GMT

I was told that if you have had hepatitis that some enzyme supplements are not recommended. I had infectious hepaptis about 36 years ago, was hospitalized, but have had no symptoms since. Should I be concerned?

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

DonnaMP — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:26:23 GMT

I noticed in the article about eating your food raw, you state that you also advise eating our meat raw. I have never heard this before. I have talked to several other health care professionals about eating raw meat, and they totally disagree. We would probably get very sick or even possibly die. Whether it is organic or not, the meat is still raw. We are not animals, but humans.

I totally agree with you on eating our fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc. raw but not meat. I can't even believe anyone would say that. How come know one else in the health field is saying that, they are saying to cook our meat well done, do not even eat it rare.

Please comment - Donna Necaise

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

Morrow — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:02:13 GMT

When i was healing from cancer I could not digest raw foods. It took too much energy from my body to do so. So I ate soups, stews, and juiced 2 quarts at least of raw vegies a day. I feel that those things helped me to get the nutrition I needed to heal.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

NaturopathMan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:10:47 GMT

I suggest you all read the works of Dr. Howell, it will anser your questions about enzymes. Dr. Howell spoke of "Food enzymes" helping to predigest our food. These food enzymes do not inhibit exogenous pancreatic enzymes. While there are differing opinions on whether exogenous pancreatic enzyme supplements inhibit our own production in any significant way, food enzymes defintely do not. Food enymes are the naturally occuring enzymes found in raw and fermented foods. As far as supplements goi, they would be the plant enzymes not pancreatin. The best way to benefit from enzyme supplementation is to take plant enzymes with your food and take pancreatin enzymes between meals for their metabolic benefits including cancer prevention.(Dr. Kelley protocol) I am a Naturopathic Doctor and do not believe that taking pancreatin with food has any significant negative effects. If anything, it gives the pancreas a break if you use them temporarily. The best thing to do is eat a diet high in raw and fermented foods and only use enzymes as a bonus. Remember that food enzymes take effect during the beginning stages of digestions wheareas pancreatin does not take effect until it reaches the alkaline environment of the intestines. Also be aware that stomach HCL does not destroy enzymes but only inactivates some of them until they are in a more alkaline terrain. For a long time, it was thought that the stomach acid destroyed them but that has been scientifically disproven.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

Treehugger — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:52:44 GMT

Vitamin B12 deficiency might develop because of low stomach acidity. Low stomach acidity is rampant, and hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism are up there on the scale as well. Low stomach acidity plays havoc with your overall health, and not "just" with vitamin B12 absorption.

I would advise to test the stomach acidity level, and get a nutritional profile done from time to time. Then add what your body needs.

Most raw vegans do not need to supplement with B12, as per G. Cousens, if I remember correctly.

Be the change you want to see in this world. Gandhi

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

VoicePrints_203 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:10:02 GMT

Nice article on the importance of enzymes. The photon and dna infomation was new, thanks Dr. Mercola : ) One thing I notice about other natural heatlh care practitioners is the disconnect between losing the ability to make enzymes as we age, and the pancreas. I do voice bio analysis as a way to see the health of the body thru a sample of the voice. When the digestion area (gall bladder/liver) is off I usually also see a stressed or low functioning pancreas area. Enzymes are made by the pancreas. You need to heal the liver and pancreas areas if there is a digestion problem, not just throw enzyme pills at it. Digestion is one of the 3 keys of health that I teach to clients and in my classes.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

Chemtrailoverurhead — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:45:15 GMT

Treasure whole raw foods while you can. Sounds like Mosanto Corp.'s total control of the food supply is right around the corner...

SCARY!

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

JamesAnderson — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:04:26 GMT

Good Day Everyone,

After doing web research and self-experimentation on diet and nutrition, I've come to the conclusion that much of what's on the web about toxins and contaminations of our public food and water supply are true unregulated facts putting economic stability before public health. In fact if "they" (lol) know if everone was healthy the world would over-populate in 200 years and people might have to live on man-made floating continents grounded to bedrock. Anyway radiating, chemical insectisides, homogenization, hydrogenation, microwaving, even frying are complex tasks which rely on machines for completion. I would avoid foods that are treated in complexity. Keep it simple. Don't drink milk cause you don't need it, eat organic unradiated foods, if you can't afford to buy organic than the government has you were they need you. Truth is there's not enough organic food for everyone, thats why it cost more. BUT, as for eating RAW, humans have been heating food for 3 million years, our bodies have adapted to eating cooked food and we need it to be healthy. The reason people get sick as they get old is because there are markers in our DNA that limit our time on Earth to around 100 years give or take 25 based on genetics. No matter how hard you try to stay healthy you are going to get sick and die someday so keep it simple like I said. Complexity is a waste of your precious time. Be smart and avoid fad diets, and don't obsess about food cause that will make you more likely to become depressed. Oh, and if your fat eat a negative calorie diet and the weight will come right off.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

linla60 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:02:19 GMT

I agree with dhelenamarie in that we are all different as far as nutritional requirements. I have always loved munching on raw vegetables long before it was considered the 'popular' thing to do, just because I had a feeling that cooking did remove some nutrition (also like the crunch). Dr. Mercola said that he is a protein type and eats fewer vegetables because of that fact. He also said that he eats 85% of his food raw. I am wondering if that means that he is eating his meat raw. I'm trying to get my head around that one. Somehow eating raw beef, chicken, pork, lamb etc. does not sound too safe to me considering ecoli, parasites etc. Also cooking meats removes excess saturated fats. I agree that high heat and charring (bbq) are unhealthy ways to cook meat but simmering slowly in a crock pot is relatively safe and I'm sure that the nutrients would still be viable. I like a medium rare steak (very occasionally) and normally only consume chicken and fish, but I don't think that I will be going the raw meat route anytime soon.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

Blackfoot — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:53:00 GMT

Forgive me for this intrusion, but I periodically visit various web sites that promote differing views and at times I read and reflect on posted comments. The area of nutritional health is a subject I take quite seriously. Please understand that the field of nutritional biochemistry is a vast and complex field of ongoing research. In support of my opinions and comments are the numerous highly accredited research universities engaged in nutritional science for the good of all. A Google or other search to validate this response should put any concerns to rest. Humans and animals do not share the same biological pathways of digestion. Wild animals eat thier food raw, we cook our meats to break down protein and destroy pathogens and parasites but should eat as many vegetables and fruit raw to extract enzymes. All animal meat and harvested fruit and vegetables are dead and must be consumed before spoilage decays the nutient quality of the food. Eating fresh uncooked fruit and vegetables that have captured the Suns energy, before a meal, will donate food grade digestive enzymes and donate pH supporting ions to assist digestion. All foods pass through an acid/enzyme (stomach) and alkaline/enzyme (intestine) environment while the pancreas secretes additional digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate to raise the pH of the intestine assuring the most effective digestion and absorbtion possible based on the metabolic health of the individual. Quality research has demonstrated that few digestive enzymes are needed to carry out the effective fission of food at A PROPER DIGESTIVE pH. Drinking or eating anything that alters the acid contents of the stomach has some effect on digestion and may effect enzyme function at this stage. Enzymes are either dormant or active depending on pH. Consuming ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS like; water, protein, lipids, carbs, minerals, and vitamins through food will help build healthier enzymes and hormones. Proper pH is a must.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

lolo1944 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:48:21 GMT

Me and my Vita-Mix machine are great friends. In order to get all that raw, uncooked nutrition, I juice fresh vegetables every day. It's a great way to get spinach, carrotts, garlic, celery, flax seed, apples, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc., etc. This is especially true for those of us who would have a difficult time chewing all this stuff. Jack LaLane knows what he's talking about. He's 90+ years old now and still going strong. Blessings and good health to all!

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

SJA — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:31:44 GMT

Hi - Can anyone recommend a good quality plant derived broad spectrum enzyme supplement. I guess the proof is in the pudding so I will try the supplement route and see if it makes any difference to my health

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

YARDBIRD — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:07:46 GMT

I get really sick if I eat a regular onion raw. I can eat garlic, red onions, or onions that turn clear. If I eat an enzyme tablet, I can eat the raw onion. If I go out to eat, I try to go ahead and take the enzymes so that I dont get sick in the middle of a meal, as I sometimes fall to the floor in pain. Lots of restaurants have onion in the recipes even if you ask ahead of time for no onion. They are hard to convince that I cant eat onions and act like I am a crazy person.

re: Eat Your Food Uncooked? Here’s the Really Raw Truth

msg9 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:45:00 GMT

BEWARE EATING RAW FOODS!!!

Contrary to what Dr. Mercola believes, according to Dr. Joel Wallach who is by far more educated on this concept, eating raw foods particularly vegetables contain phytates, which, prevent vital vitamins and minerals from being absorbed.

Do not eat oats or wheat before supplementing either!!