posted September 14, 2004 04:32 PM         

Or, conversely, anyone think it's a waste of time?

Generally, I follow proper food combining techniques, i.e., fruit only by itself (I only eat it in the morning), and no starches with proteins.

But with the exception of fruits, I sometimes wonder if it's really worth it.

posted September 15, 2004 06:17 PM         

I don't like rice that much anyway

I was brought up to eat more veggies and salads and where I come from we rearly eat pasta, pizza or white bread. Not to mention sweets that were only allowed on holidays.
Oh yeah, my mom doesn't mix certain veggies - like lettuce and tomatoes. So I don't do it either

To answer your question, Trillian, no I don't believe in food combining. I believe in moderation

posted September 15, 2004 07:27 PM         

I'd like to get a copy of the book. Can I find it in Borders Trillian?

As for food combining. I'm not strict about it at all. I don't think it makes that much difference. I still eat bread and pasta. I know flour and water is a glue like substance but I think in moderation it's healthy, no different to rice and potatoes.

I had some studies on food combining. I'll see if I can find the information and post it for you. The general opinion was that it was better for people who had digestive disorders.

Gia

posted September 16, 2004 09:10 AM         

Politically Incorrect Nutrition, by Michael Barbee, C.D.C. I'm sure it's availabe at Borders, Gia, and I think you'd enjoy reading it.

An excerpt on Green Tea, to whet your appetite:

quote:

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Propoganda: Drink 3-6 cups of green tea a day for its antioxidants. Reality: Today's cup of green tea is often contaminated with unprecedented amounts of fluoride, aluminum, and DDT, and regular consumption can lead to serious health problems.

There is reasonable evidence to suggest that these antioxidant chemicals (catechins, in particular) may offer some protection against cancer and heart disease. The problem is that today's green tea is not the same as it was 100 years ago. The plant is the same. The polyphenols are there. But there is also something else in today's green tea in quantities that are unprecedented and quite troublesome: fluoride.

The tea plant absorbs and stores more fluoride than any other plant. Those who market green tea claim this is a good thing...

How much fluoride could there be in a cup of green tea? It depends, of course, on where and how it was grown. At the low end, some green teas show about 1 mg in one cup, the same amount one would find in an entire quart of artificially fluoridated water. Other studies have shown that in various parts of the world the daily intakes of fluoride are about 4-9 mg per day...one sample of Chinese green tea...had a whopping 22 mg of fluoride per tea bag.

TIPS: For antioxidants consume fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and/or supplement with vitamins C and E, selenium, CoQ10, and N-Acetyl Cysteine.
Great News! Dark Chocolate (organic) has four times the amount of antioxidants as green tea per serving. Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids.

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Gia I think you are suggesting that if it's grown organically, that the risks become minimal. That may be. He includes an extensive list of sources for all the studies he quotes. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the book, Gia. In the mean time, if you'd like to see excerpts from any other chapter, let me know.

Yin, thanks sweetie. I believe in moderation, too. You know, I've read more than a few books on food combining that make persuasive arguments for it. Then again, there's lots of evidence to the contrary. As always, it comes down to personal choice.

I've read convincing literature on acid vs. alkaline, too...sometimes it's such a quagmire.

posted September 16, 2004 10:32 AM         

Acid versus alkaline. Your body is better more alkaline than acid. Think of acid on cells. It should not mean no acid foods at all, just that every meal should contain more of one than another.

I'll try and get the book this weekend.

Thanks.

posted September 17, 2004 11:12 AM         

Did you know women use ten words to describe something to every one word a man would use? I have this theory that they think they'll run out of words if they use too many of them in one go.

It is true that it's not really what we eat, but what we digest. We can eat really well but if we have a digestive disorder, we may not get the nutrients from all that good food. The normal body produces two kinds of waste: metabolic waste and digestive waste basically stool and kidneys. Enzymes are catalysts in the body and aid in digesting food. I think it's fair to say that since they are protein like substances, they also help maintain tissues as well.

It is stated that 8 out of 10 leading causes of death in the United States is diet related. Dr. Edward Howell is the groundbreaking physician here who devoted his life to understanding how enzymes work in your body. It is through his work that I am able to pass this information on to you.

In nature there are thousands of enzymes but we divide them into two categories:

PROTEOLYTIC - These break down proteins. If you look at the word it gives you a clue.

MANNIFOLD ENZYMES - These are responsible for the manifold processes. To be basic, these help to build molecules and tissues such as telomerases.

Our bodies are normally able to produce most of the enzymes we need, but not all of them. The rest come from our food, or not. It really depends on how or what you eat. When we eat raw foods we consume those enzymes in the food. When we cook our food, unfortunately, most food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 118 degrees F. Then if we don't eat fresh foods and fruits, we need to take some supplementation. Such as OMEGA- ZYME, or something else like it.

Green foods are brilliant as they are normally formulas of fermented grasses, herbs and sprouts. It might help some to know, that even sugar cane is a grass food too. Grasses and super green foods although often disgusting to taste, are amazing for your body. I hold my nose and drink it fast. It often makes me gag but I do it. I do not mix my green food with juice as it makes it less potent.

I hope this helps clarify things somewhat.

Gia