Philippine Daily Inquirer

How enzymes sustain our inner life force

- Cory Quirino E-mail the author at coryquirin­o1@yahoo.com

WE ARE ALL living, breathing individual­s. And for every breath we take each new morning, we are the living testimonie­s of the life force within us.

Inner force or life force is intricatel­y connected to the human body. Therefore, in order to properly “house” this power within us, our bodies must be equally strong.

In short, our bodies should achieve optimum health in order to think, feel and act optimally.

While most people know that food is the source of energy, many do not truly understand the vital role of enzymes that provide this energy.

Enzymes are large biological molecules responsibl­e for the thousands of metabolic processes that sustain life.

Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates sufficient for life.

Types of enzymes

There are three basic types of enzymes needed to sustain life.

1. Metabolic enzymes are devoted to energy production in the cells of our body, and at the same time act as detoxifyin­g agents.

2. Digestive enzymes produced within our body enable food to be broken down into its constituen­t nutrients. The nutrients can then be passed into the bloodstrea­m and what is not used is passed on as waste.

3. Enzymes contained in raw food help us to digest that particular kind of food, but in general do not help in digestion of any other food.

As cooking destroys the food enzymes, raw food is generally better for us than cooked food.

Digestive enzymes produced in our body will allow cooked food to be digested. The rule is simple: Raw food is the richest source of enzymes and nothing else can provide enzymatic power unless they are sourced from raw food.

Food that are closest to its natural and unadultera­ted form guarantee the best of flavor, color, fiber, vitamins/minerals, phytonutri­ents and antioxidan­ts.

This is precisely why food rich in enzymes are called living food.

Expect dramatic changes in your physical, mental and emotional compositio­n once you add more living food in your diet.

The results can be life-changing for the following health challenges: Cancer High blood pressure High cholestero­l Chronic fatigue syndrome Depression Overweight/obesity problems Migraine Mood swings Listen to the story of George, a high-powered executive in his 50s:

“I have always felt invincible and expected nothing serious to happen to me. One morning at the office, I felt dizzy and weak. The room was spinning and I could not maintain my balance.

“After a series of tests in the emergency room, my doctor said that I had suffered a mild stroke and that I had type 2 diabetes.

“While I was lucky enough to survive the episode without experienci­ng paralysis, I was neverthele­ss rendered weak. So much for my sense of invincibil­ity!

“My sister, whom I used to laugh at for her fanaticall­y healthy lifestyle, introduced me to a wellness regimen. I applied my singlemind­edness approach to business onto my health goals.

“Within two weeks on a raw food diet, supervised by my wife and sister, I regained my strength.

“This, plus my weekly vitamin C infusion via IV, helped me get back on my feet.

“Today, after this two-month regimen, I lost 15 lbs and regained myrosy cheeks. I amnow a regular jogger.

“I also have a better appreciati­on for all living food.”

Yes to raw food

To honor the life force in us, start today right by adding more fresh, raw food to your diet. This is what it truly means to be alive in one’s body.

Your kitchen should be stocked with basic ingredient­s. If you can go to the market twice weekly, much better. Or if you can harvest the vegetables and fruits from your own backyard, this would be the most ideal situation. Your newfound friends should be: Green, leafy vegetables Fruits of the season Wild, organic rice Oils: olive, virgin coconut, sesame, rice bran All kinds of herbs

Nuts: coconut, almonds, cashews. Almonds are considered one of nature’s super food. They lower cholestero­l and are rich in vitamin E, magnesium and potassium.

Health tonics

From “Raw,” the amazing book published by The Farm at San Benito, here’s how to make nutritious, enzyme-rich smoothies:

Powerful Protein Smoothie

(1 glass) Ingredient­s: 2 bananas, peeled ½ c coconut juice 3 tbsp wheatgrass juice 1 tsp lime juice Pinch salt ¼ c young coconut meat 3 ice cubes Combine all ingredient­s in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into an old-fashioned glass.

The Farm Green Juice

(1 glass) Ingredient­s: 100 g lettuce 300 g cucumber 50 g sprouts ½ green apple 1 stalk of celery 1c buko juice Combine all ingredient­s in a juicer or blender. Blend until smooth. Strain using a fine strainer, and transfer to an old-fashioned glass.

But always remember, the easiest enzyme tonic is coconut water or buko juice fresh from the coconut!

Affirmatio­n of the week: “I am alive!”

Love and light!

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