Enzim Cerna Makanan

Oleh NORAINI ABD. RAZAK
(Utusan On-line)

PENGAMBILAN buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran penting untuk menambah bekalan enzim di dalam tubuh.

SETIAP orang pernah mengalami sembelit, kembung perut, lebihan asid dan pembendungan air semasa atau selepas menikmati makanan. Apa kata kaji punca masalah tersebut yang antara lain menurut pakar pemakanan berkaitan dengan enzim pencernaan.

Tubuh secara semulajadi menghasilkan 3,000 jenis enzim yang berbeza. Pemangkin protein ini penting untuk setiap proses metabolik dalam badan daripada berfikir kepada mengelipkan mata. Enzim dihasilkan di dalam hati dan disimpan di dalam kelenjar-kelenjar utama. Kita juga boleh menambah bekalan enzim menerusi pemilihan makanan yang betul.

Enzim juga boleh didapati secara semulajadi di dalam makanan sama ada buah-buahan, sayur-sayuran atau daging. Bagaimanapun penyelidikan mendapati memanaskan makanan melebihi 118*F boleh memusnahkan enzim. Begitu juga dengan makanan yang mengandungi bahan kimia atau disembur dengan racun serangga selain menggunakan baja kimia yang didapati mengganggu aktiviti enzymatic di dalam tumbuh-tumbuhan.

Dari semasa ke semasa, pengambilan sumber makanan yang tidak lagi mengandungi enzim boleh menimbulkan masalah kepada kesihatan kita. Disebabkan kekurangan enzim pencernaan di dalam tubuh, stok atau simpanan enzim semulajadi diperlukan untuk merawat masalah kesukaran mencernakan makanan yang dimakan.

Dr. Edward Howell, penulis buku Enzyme Nutrition menekan tentang 'akaun bank enzim' di dalam badan yang semakin terhad atau menurun disebabkan faktor peningkatan usia serta kaedah penyediaan makanan. Penyusutan 'akaun' itu menurut beliau turut disebabkan pengambilan alkohol, dadah, tidur yang tidak mencukupi serta kekurangan air untuk merangsang pengeluaran enzim.

Dr. Howell percaya, kesemua faktor itu turut menyumbang kepada pelbagai masalah lain seperti diabetes, kanser kolon, tekanan mental, penyakit kulit dan kegagalan fungsi hati.

Pakar kolon, Dr. Hiromi Shinya dalam tulisannya bertajuk The Enzyme Factor menegaskan tentang protein tidak tercerna dalam produk susu, makanan segera dan daging merah yang menjadi sumber 'makanan' bakteria 'jahat' sehingga terhasil toksin yang kemudiannya menjejaskan saluran darah. Toksin tersebut akan mencemarkan hati, buah pinggang dan jantung sedangkan tubuh memerlukan enzim-enzim yang disimpan di situ untuk mencernakan makanan.

Dr. Howell merumuskan bahawa pengambilan suplemen enzim pencernaan boleh memperbaiki penghadaman dan mengawal berat badan. Ia juga membantu mengatasi masalah kesihatan termasuk lelah, alahan, penyakit kulit dan artritis. Pengambilan enzim pencernaan memperbaiki paras gula dalam darah dan mengurangkan penggunaan insulin.

Beliau turut mencadangkan pengambilan buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran untuk merangsang enzim di dalam badan selain membantu pencernaan, langkah itu juga dapat memelihara bekalan enzim untuk 'tugas' lain.

Kajian menunjukkan pengambilan suplemen enzim semasa perut kosong boleh menambah 'akaun bank enzim' kerana tubuh menukar enzim pencernaan kepada enzim metabolik.

Tips: To remove chewing gum from clothes

1.   Just keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour then remove the chewing gum.

2.   You can heat up some vinegar in the stove or microwave get a toothbrush and scrub it off.

3.   Instead of placing your cotton garment inside the freezer, you can also opt to rub an ice cube over the chewing gum in order to freeze it.

4.   Other products which you can also use to remove the chewing gum are peanut butter or baby oil, but these compounds might end up leaving stain marks on your cotton clothing.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com

Spinach

Popeye was right: Spinach is an excellent source of iron. This leafy green vegetable is also rich in foliate (folic acid), which helps protect against heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. Spinach is good for your eyes: It's loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoid compounds known to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. And it's high in calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health.
To use: Dress fresh spinach with lemon juice and olive oil and enjoy as a salad. Sauté spinach in olive oil, garlic, and red pepper. Add layers of steamed spinach to lasagna. Or try a Greek spinach and feta pie (spanikopita).

Adab-Adab Minum

1. Sunat membaca Bismillah dan Alhamdulillah serta minum ketiga-tiga teguk. Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Jangan minum terus menerus seperti haiwan minum, akan tetapi minumlah dua teguk dua teguk, dan tiga teguk tiga teguk. Bacalah Bismillah apabila kamu minum, dan bacalah Alhamdulillah apabila kamu selesai daripadanya" (Riwayat At-Termidzi dari Ibnu Abbas)

2. Makruh minum dari tempat simpan air - Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Rasulullah SAW telah melarang minum daripada mulut tempat air (seperti botol, kendi atau sebagainya) ataupun dari mulut tempayan. (Al-Bukhari dan Muslim)

3. Makruh meniup air - Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Bahawasanya Nabi SAW melarang bernafas dalam bekas air ataupun meniup ke dalamnya."(At-Termidzi dari Ibnu Abbas)

4. Hendaklah duduk semasa minum - Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Bahawasanya Nabi SAW melarang orang yang minum berdiri" (Muslim dari Anas ra)

5. Dilarang minum dari bekas yang dibuat dari emas dan perak.(Al-Bukhari dan Muslim dari Ummi Salamah) Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Orang yang minum dari bekas perak sebenarnya mengocakkan di dalam perutnya api neraka."

6. Dilarang memenuhkan perut ketika makan dan minum Sabda Rasulullah SAW: "Tiada suatu tempat yang dipenuhkan oleh anak Adam, yang lebih mencelakan selain dari perutnya. Memadailah untuk anak Adam itu beberapa suap makanan untuk menegakkan
tulang belakangnya (untuk menahan kelaparannya). Jika itu tidak dapat dipertahankan, maka hendaklah sepertiga daripada makannya, sepertiga untuk minum dan sepertiga lagi untuk nafas.

15 Hidden Health Secrets of Lemons

By Theresa Cheung
(Beliefnet)

Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?

There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.

These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.

Abolish Acne

Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:

• With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.

• Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterward with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.

Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.

Abandon Your Anxiety

Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil (Melissa officinalis) on a handkerchief to inhale.

Canker Sore, No More

The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, however, the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be.

Leave the Fever

Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.

Cold and Flu Got You Blue?
When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.

If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.

Cure Corns and Calluses

Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, bandage and fasten. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball or Q- tip, as it is too strong for un-callused skin.

Erase Eczema

If you suffer from skin infection such as eczema, a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon.

Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch.

Fight Fatigue

Long distance walkers, world travelers, and explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue sets in, they might suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, giving themselves a quick-acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.

Explorers also use lemon for protection against many infections of the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies.

Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.

Hexed with Halitosis?

Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing on a lemon slice after every meal will also help.

Healing Hypertension

Garlic and onions have been shown to be effective in the fight against hypertension, and they combine well with the healing power of lemon. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to 1 quart or cold skimmed or low fat milk or soy milk. Slowly bring to the boil and let it stand for 5 minutes. Pour through a sieve and chill. Add the freshly squeezed juice of 3 lemons and sip throughout the day.

And if you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.

Smite a Bug Bite

If the stinger is still in the skin, take it out with a pair of tweezers. Massage 1 to 2 drops of lemon oil, mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, into the skin around the bite.

To repel insects, add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup (250ml) of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time. Another home remedy is to place a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in your bedroom. If you are sitting outside in the evening, apply lemon scent to skin areas not covered in clothing. Or, add 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz of sunflower oil and rub into the skin.

Put Insomnia to Rest

Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.

Pulverize Pain

Even though it tastes bitter, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.

Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) jojoba oil.

Save your Stomach

Drink the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. The lemon acid will stimulate the production of stomach acid and the activity of stomach muscles.

Say Adios to Varicose

Lemon oil has vessel-strengthening properties that can help fight varicose and spider veins. For spider veins, take 2 to 3 drops of lemon oil every day and mix in a small bowl with jojoba, avocado or almond oil and massage the affected area.

For varicose veins, add 6 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz (50 ml) wheat germ oil, and 2 drops each of cypress and juniper oil. Use this mixture daily for a gentle massage of the legs from bottom to top, in the direction of the heart. For a vein and vessel-rejuvenating bath add 8 drops of lemon oil to a warm bath. Also add 4 drops of cypress oil blended with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes and when you come out, pat your skin dry – don’t rub it.

Removing Gallstones Naturally

By Dr Lai Chiu-Nan

It has worked for many. If it works for you please pass on the good news. Chiu Nan is not charging for it, so we should make it free for everyone. Your reward is when someone, through your word of mouth, benefits from the regime. Gallstones may not be everyone's concern. But they should be because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer. "Cancer is never the first illness," Chiu Nan points out. "Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer".

In my research in China, I came across some materials which say that people with cancer usually have stones. We all have gallstones. It's a matter of big or small, many or few.

One of the symptoms of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. You feel like you can't digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area." So if you think you have gallstones, Chiu Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally.

The treatment is also good for those with a weak liver, because the liver and gallbladder are closely linked.

Regimen:

1. For the first five days, take four glasses of apple juice every day. Or eat four or five apples, whichever you prefer. Apple juice softens the gallstones. During the five days, eat normally.

2. On the sixth day, take no dinner.

3. At 6 PM, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) with a glass of warm water.

4. At 8 PM, repeat the same. Magnesium sulfate opens the gallbladder ducts.

5. At 10 PM, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) with half cup fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.
PS. 1cup=250ml, ½ cup lemon juice=3 lemons (aprox.)

The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools. "Usually they float," Chiu Nan notes. "You might want to count them. I have had people who passes 40, 50 or up to 100 stones. Very many."

"Even if you don't have any symptoms of gallstones, you still might have some. It's always good to give your gall bladder a clean-up now and then.

To RedLips and Yana Ako

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