Heart Disease
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Miracle of Food Enzymes
9.18 Food enzymes – proteins that initiate biochemical reactions in the body in the same way as sparkplugs initiate combustion – that remain intact in raw foods are the life force of food that help the digestion process. Fruits, raw vegetables, sprouted grains/seeds all contain live food enzymes. We need an abundant supply of food enzymes to nourish our bodies, provide us with energy and balance our metabolism. Enzymes are released as soon as you begin to chew. These are the essential catalysts for all the chemical reactions in the body – digestion, immunity and all other metabolic and regenerative processes. Without enzymes the body lacks the digestive “spark plugs” to easily break down foods and you would simply cease to function or exist.
Probiotics for Life
9.19 Probiotics, a Greek word which means “for life”, are live microorganisms which have been used for centuries as natural components of foods to promote overall health and well-being. Our bodies have more than 100 trillion bacteria (called gut flora) comprising over 400 species and weighing more than a kilogram, both beneficial (that aid digestion, help in the absorption of nutrients and production of minerals and vitamins) and harmful ones (which cause illnesses). For healthy body, it is essential that beneficial bacteria are much more than harmful ones. Probiotics help good bacteria in the gut to grow and inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and other harmful organisms like yeasts and fungus, that can cause digestive and other problems. Among the most common of these beneficial bacteria are lactobacillus acidophilus and lactobacillus bifidus.
9.20 Probiotics are found in various foods such as yoghurt, fermented milk, cheese, butter milk, whey, kefir. Any foods where fermentation is part of the cooking procedure are rich sources of these beneficial bacteria such as idli, dhokla, khameeri roti (chappati made from fermented dough), vadas, uttpam, tofu. Soya yoghurts are usually enriched with probiotics. These precious bacteria are also found in sauerkraut and kimchee.
9.21 Probiotics are resistant to gastric, bile and pancreatic juices. Certain foods are prebiotic, which means they contain polymers of fructose, which stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria. Examples are: high-fibre foods like wholegrains, onions, honey, beer, maple sugar, unrefined (whole) wheat and barley, oats, rye, beans, chickpeas, flaxseeds, fenugreek seeds, sunflower seeds, isabogol, green leafy vegetables, leeks, chicory, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, bananas, berries and citrus fruits. Note: Excessive intake of refined, fried, sugary processed foods suppresses the growth of good bacteria and allows unfriendly ones to grow.
