FOOD COMBINING

Last Friday and the Friday before, I discussed the use of combinations of foods to obtain protein. All of which was usable proteins! 

Lappe points to a scientist by the name of R.J. Williams, who stated that “…if beef were the only source of protein, on person’s minimum protein needs could be met with two ounces of meat; yet another individual might require eight ounces (165).” The ADA lists averages, not what would fulfill individual needs. 

If an individual has health issues, or is aging their needs are different than a 28 year-old healthy individual.  Lappe recommends we learn to observe our own needs by using what “Williams calls ‘body wisdom’…(which) is aware  of how you feel- - (167).” 

Signs to look for, Lappe points out, would be the slowing down of wound healing, lack of energy, loss or deterioration of hair, nails, and skin (168).  Irritability is another sign of nutritional deficiency, and lack of well-being.  

The body needs to have certain reactions from protein that assists in our well-being. These reactions are what we would call the metabolism.  “Proteins such as insulin, which regulates metabolic processors, we call ‘hormones’; …(168)” Proteins also are important for the metabolic reactions of enzymes. In order to oxygenate the blood, in what is called hemoglobin, we need proteins from which hemoglobin is built.  This blood protein helps prevent excessive alkalinity or acidity (more on this aspect in another set of blogs). (Lappe,169)

I would also add to this list: bowel irregularity, diarrhea, GERD, low immunity (such as frequent colds and allergies), Poor digestion is a really good indication that you are not eating right for your body.  

Do all the protein complementary foods have to be eaten in the same meal? No it is not necessary to do this at each meal. But, if not done within a short time-frame, the partial Amino Acid of the is not utilized by the body, and less of each of the other Amino Acids are used, as well. (Lappe, 180)

So, if a person does not eat all the complete proteins (combined) at a meal, what can they do? Eat more frequently, and eat foods that fulfill the requirements within a few hours of each meal. (Lappe,182) 

more on next Friday...

REFERENCE:

Lappe, Frances Moore.  Diet for a Small Planet, 20^th anniversary edition. Ballantine Books, 1991

Nutrition Fridays

FOOD COMBINING

Last Friday I began the discussion on food combining. I used the Mayan diet as one example. Another example would be the diet found in the Middle East.  They combine bulgur wheat and chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), or humus and pita bread (humus is the combination of chickpeas / garbanzo beans with sesame seed…which is creamed like peanut butter). (Lappe, 161)

In India you find chapaties with dal (lentils).  You find in Asia the food combination would be soy foods with rice (China, Japan, and Indonesia), or soy with barley (Korea and Southern China). (Lappe, Ibid.)

In all of the examples the combination is 70-80% whole grains and 20-30% legumes (beans).  Ironically, this ratio has been proven by nutritionists to contain complete Amino Acids and allows for “maximum protein useability (Lappe,Ibid.)

Yes, you do have to learn how to cook each of these types of food.  It is not really difficult to learn how to cook them.  No, they are not as simple as microwaving a meal for 5 minutes that is purchased pre-made / pre-packaged.  But, definitely more healthy!

Lappe states “with three important exceptions, there is little danger of protein deficiency in a plant food diet (162)” These exceptions are: diets that depend upon fruits as the main source, or diets that use mostly sweet potatoes or cassava, and lastly Lappe points to junk food.  I would include with “junk food” any diet that mostly uses refined sugar and refined flour.

Continued on next Friday…

 

REFERENCE:

Lappe, Frances Moore.  Diet for a Small Planet, 20^th anniversary edition. Ballantine Books, 1991

Nutritional Fridays

FOOD COMBINING

 What is it? Food combining is the use of vegetable proteins, grains, and nuts in combination to allow for the body to digest nutrients that will make a complete protein.

Our human bodies need complete proteins, and nitrogen.  There are 22 Amino Acids that make proteins, 8 of them are essential for good health.  Meat and dairy are not necessarily the only source of proteins!  Although, the dairy and beef industry would like to convince you that these are necessary!  They advertise this and donate to politicians inn order to have the backing they need to "push" the idea of their necessity.

But, not that we know that the beef and dairy industry has been using hormones in the cow's feed, and genetically modified grains are also used, lets now take another look! Is meat the main source to look to for protein? NO.

Did you know that grains, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (beans) have proteins?  They also contain many vitamins our bodies need, as well! Do we need to supplement these in our diet, in order to get the 8 essential Amino Acids? No.

Ancient cultures knew instinctively what foods to eat to have inexpensive and yet tasty, nutritious diets.  The Mayan meal of beans, rice, tomatoes, and bits of chili contains everything necessary for all 8 essential Amino Acids and vitamins from the vegetables. 

I will discuss next Friday how this all works....