Problems Digesting Legumes

[Guest guest]

Hello Raw Soul: I am going to " Ask Jeeves " my question below, but I

thought I would put it out to first. I came back to raw foods

because I was having trouble digesting food, but I wasn't really clear

what foods were causing problems. I have become aware that even

sprouted, I can't seem to digest lentils, garbanzo beans (no hummus, a

sad thing), or any type of legume sprouted. I was planning on using the

legumes to help with my protein levels. I am concerned that I am not

getting enough protein. I do eat soaked nuts and don't seem to have the

digestion problems, but I am concerned about fat content. Thanks for

your ideas...Ashtarra

[Guest guest]

Ashtarra,

 

Why are you concerned that you are not getting enough protein? Is your

body exhibiting signs and symptoms of protein depletion? From what I

understand, the World Health Organization says we need 10% of our

calories to come from protein. (Obviously much lower than 20-40% we

hear here in the US from the Department of Agriculture). When I began

raw food, I punched EVERYTHIING I ate in to www.fitday.com . I found

out that doing nothing special, just eating fruits/veggies (no

legumes/sprouts/nuts) I would come in at 9-12% of calories from protein.

And remember, that is not focusing on protein at all, I did that merely

to ensure fruits and vegetables supplied my body with all the nutrients

needed.

 

Doug Graham and Roz Gruben advocate 10:10:80. You get 10% of your

calories from fat, 10% from protein, and 80% from Carbohydrates. This

works when you only eat fruits/veggies. Anytime I added peanutbutter or

nuts to the mix, my calories from protein/fat jumped up

significantly....40-70% coming from fat. One of the pit falls of raw

food is that if it is not done correctly you can get too much of a

percentage of your calories from fat and that can lead to a number of

complications long term ~ even though it is the " good " fat.

 

Broccoli and spinach are 2 vegetables which are notably high in protein.

I still have concerns about not getting enough protein, as well. In the

beginning I went through a lot of hair loss (which seems fine now, I

think everything I lost has grown back but don't really have a way to

measure if it is in my head or real). Our culture and everything around

us yells protein/protein/protein. Hey, the meat and dairy industry

have done a great job marketing their products for " our needs " . Think

of Elains' recent post for an example.....The dairy industry for years

has praised the benefits of milk for osteoporosis, but the 5 largest

dairy consuming countries have the largest incidence of osteoporosis and

the 5 countries that consume the least, have the least incidence. Yet,

everytime someone asks why I don't give my daughter milk, it is always

followed with " where is she getting her calcium?? " As a result of

mas-media marketing/lack of nutritional education, we as a country are

over dosing on protein and it is seen as necessary for development.

 

I still have concerns about protein ~ probably out of a fear of being

wrong when the whole world thinks mass amount of protein is needed.

Though what I know is that I feel like a different person on raw. Raw

has to be right from so many levels. Raw for me is

fruits/veggies/nuts. If your body doesn't digest legumes well, it

probably doesn't need them. IF you are concerned about a protein

deficiency, you could always get some blood work done, to ease your

mind. Our culture has us so out of touch of the real needs of our

bodies, of course we feel concern, worry when we step off the path that

has been ingrained our ancestors/culture.

 

BEV

[Guest guest]

Ashtarra,

Sounds like you could really benefit from digestive enzymes. These can help you break down your legumes and thus help with your protein consumption. Most health food stores carry them. You'd want to make sure it had protease, Amylase and Lipase in it.

Nancy

 

 

Nancy Parlette Natural Health Counselor Nutrition Educator (410) 531-2410 pnparlette

 

 

Ashtarra J. Brissette [arcadiapress] Wednesday, October 20, 2004 10:56 PM Subject: Re: Problems Digesting LegumesHello Raw Soul: I am going to "Ask Jeeves" my question below, but Ithought I would put it out to first. I came back to raw foodsbecause I was having trouble digesting food, but I wasn't really clearwhat foods were causing problems. I have become aware that evensprouted, I can't seem to digest lentils, garbanzo beans (no hummus, asad thing), or any type of legume sprouted. I was planning on using thelegumes to help with my protein levels. I am concerned that I am notgetting enough protein. I do eat soaked nuts and don't seem to have thedigestion problems, but I am concerned about fat content. Thanks foryour ideas...Ashtarra

[Guest guest]

Hello Raw Soul...Bev/Nancy...Thanks for the reminder of the media voice

I was listening to...I am an old Zone diet person (higher amounts of

protein in diet, but balanced with carbs and fats) and the suggestion of

taking the digestive assistant. I'll be interested to experience the

contrast. As far as my health, I believe that I am doing just great...I

have alot of energy, I am feeling very grounded, have new awarenesses

everyday, and I am experiencing alot of gratitude and many things to be

grateful about...Blessings, Ashtarra