Part II
The life of cells depends on the quality of enzymes we consume.
Last week we tackled the basics of enzymes and how the life and health of every cell in the body requires enzyme power.
Today let’s look into our daily habits that form our lifestyle and discover the ways we can nurture an enzyme-rich regimen.
What are you eating?
The common recommendation for a balanced diet is 2,000 calories for men, 1,500 calories for women.
4 food groups
Group I—milk products and eggs. The complete protein containing fat, calcium, vitamin A and B2.
Group II—meat, fish, legumes/beans—muscle-building nutrients containing fats, proteins, vitamins B1, B2 and calcium.
Group III—vegetables and fruits, food containing fiber, vitamins and minerals
Group IV—grains, sugar, oils and fats. These are foods that maintain body temperature and energy. In recent times, grains now occupy a separate group.
A whole new group was included in the proposed Asian pyramid, to cover water. This is because of the vital role water plays in hydration and keeping the cells nourished.
Avoid internal oxidation
Oxidation occurs when matter bonds with oxygen. The result is rusting. It isn’t only metal that rusts. Food does too.
Example:
Peeled apples and potatoes—color changes to brown seconds after they are exposed to air.
Oil that is exposed to heat changes color. This is also a sign of rusting/oxidation.
Beware of free radicals. These are cells gone away because they are missing an important part, an electron. So, to “complete” themselves, they attack healthy/complete cells by stealing their electron. Thus, creating more free radicals.
We need to put up a strong defense against free radicals in simple ways we can do each day.
Remember: Oxidized foods produce free radicals. But other things produce oxidation such as alcohol and tobacco.
A simple truth: Every time we breathe, the body produces free radicals. Breathing oxygen allows the body to burn glucose and fat in the cells. Thus 2 percent of the oxygen we breathe produces free radicals.
While they are labeled as “bad,” free radicals serve a purpose—kill viruses, bacteria, molds and suppression and infections.
It is only when they exceed their normal numbers that they become out of control and attack cell membranes and DNA of normal, healthy cells.
The human body has a defense against free radicals called SOD (or super oxide dismutase). This is good news.
But the bad news is SOD decreases once you reach the age of 40. The theory is that the beginnings of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, high-cholesterol and sugar levels start appearing at about this time.
When SOD decreases, the source enzymes within our body designed to nourish cells are forced to do the job of SOD.
Unfortunately, this causes a crisis internally. Soon enough, source enzymes will be depleted.
The solution: Eat enzyme-rich foods.
To do:
- Avoid or minimize the consumption of deep-fried foods.
- Fried foods contain trans-fats. If you must eat fried foods remove the skin. If you enjoy fried foods, limit intake to once a month.
- Instead of margarine, take real butter. According to Dr. Hiromi Shinya, extracted vegetable oil that has undergone processing like margarine will raise your cholesterol.
- Essential fatty acids—the best of these come from fish. Take DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) found in blue fish like mackerel and sardines and the fatty part of the eyes of tuna. This is sugar brain food.
- Fresh milk is the best source of lactoferrin, which is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Look at the fatty part of fresh milk—it is this that contains its goodness.
- Homogenized and pasteurized fresh milk may not contain the same nutrients as its fresh version. However, it is important to know whether you are lactose-sensitive or intolerant. Have yourself and your family tested for this.
- Cut back on animal protein. Large amounts of protein can decompose in your intestines. Go easy on the portions or this could cause toxicity.
- Eat more vegetables and fruits. No matter how you look at it, raw, fresh fruits and vegetables contain the most live enzymes. Eat it five times a day.
Today’s affirmation: “I claim abundance in my life”
Love and light!