Calcium - now blanching almonds good or bad?

February 12, 2003

Hi Everyone!

My think on this is we have a raw almond that has the potential of becoming a living food.

Any heat above 105 degrees is going to kill enzymes.

I have found that most almonds when soaked long enough (sometimes more than 12 hours is necessary), I can pinch the almond between my fingers and the skins will slide off quite easily.

The blanch can be a quick process and I doubt it would kill all enzymes to the core of the almond but I feel it would definitely destroy those near the surface and do some damage.

So why not just soak them in purified water?

L, Valorie

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

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Lisa Belcher

herbal remedies

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 1:14 AM

Re: [herbal remedies] Calcium

Hi Ilana,

I've always wondered if blanching actually reduced the food-value of the almonds which is why I've never done that. Perhaps Valorie can answer this question??????

Lisa

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Ilana Grostern

herbal remedies

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 12:15 AM

Re: [herbal remedies] Calcium

Lisa,I just pour very hot water over them and let it cool. I guess that's not really blanching. I just prefer it with the skins off and that makes them come off easy.ILANA xoxoLisa Belcher wrote:

Ilana, you don't need to blanch!!! Just soak them overnight straight from the package! Then blend as-is.

After blending I normally strain the milk through a cloth now, as I don't like the texture with all the bits of almond/skin left after blending.

love,

Lisa

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Ilana Grostern

herbal remedies

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 9:40 PM

Re: [herbal remedies] Calcium

Lisa,I have to work up to that texture and it's just SO satisfying slipping off the skins after blancing them. I'll keep that in mind, though. I didn't realize they hold so much value.When I do skin them, I notice the little tips always come off. Anyone know why that is and what that tip is about? I don't know much about nut anatomy and physiology.ILANA xoxoLisa Belcher wrote:

Ilana, you leave the skins on when sprouting, and also when blending! That way you get all the best nutrients in your milk!!

love,

Lisa

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Ilana Grostern

herbal remedies

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 9:05 PM

Re: [herbal remedies] Calcium

Hi Lisa,Okay, I'm going to give that a try. I'd like to see them sprout! I figured that a whole almond would have the shell on too, but I guess that doesn't make sense as the seed is usually released from the pod before it can grow into a tree. That's why we have squirrels :)ILANA xoxoLisa Belcher wrote:

Ilana,

The almonds have to be whole to sprout - i.e. with their skins on :-)

love,

Lisa

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Ilana Grostern

herbal remedies

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 2:16 PM

Re: [herbal remedies] Calcium

Almonds will sprout?? I always soak mine for at least a day before I purée them into my almond milk, but I had NO idea they'd actually sprout! They don't have shells or hulls.Organic almonds cost a FORTUNE here so I haven't been eating organic almonds. It's about $4CDN for a wee little container. Is that the same way everywhere? My organic grocer says there's no demand so that's why they're so pricey.ILANA xoxoDr. Ian Shillington wrote:

My last comment for the night.

You are so right. Almonds are also an excellent souce of plant protein, B vitamins, essential minerals, unsaturated fats and fiber. They are a complete protein, containing all 8 of the essential amino acids. They also provide ample amounts of many other important nutrients. For these reasons, they are one of my favorites and I use them in many of my raw recipes.

Doc and I strongly recommend that all nuts, seeds, grains, rice and beans be soaked and sprouted before they are eaten or cooked.

So to get even more out of your almonds, soak them for approximately 12 hours and sprout them for at least a day.

Valorie

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

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luv3kidsdc <luv3kidsdc

herbal remedies

Monday, February 10, 2003 10:41 PM

[herbal remedies] Calcium

Its great to have the list back. Just a quickie on calcium. For the past several years I have been having about 3 medical tests a year to measure mineral absorption. One of those tests was calcium. Having such quick and objective test results has shown me what has worked as a calcuim supplement and what has not. The result was surprising.I took a variety of supplements and what works best is this. Almonds. Yep. Good old fashioned, unprocessed almonds along with no carbonated beverages. Carbonation removes calcium. Even without drinking milk (I am allergic to it) restricted cheese intake, no yogurt, I was able to keep calcium levels up with the daily UNPROCESSED almonds from the health food store chewed completely (wont digest without completely having them broken down). I had already tried many calcium supplements along with multivitamines and some of them were quite pricey and high quality. Yet my calcium numbers always came low. I began eating almonds for another purpose and I observed my nails getting stronger. Hmmm if I drank cabonated beverages I saw them weaken. I thought the calcium was improving but I was really surprised when the numbers came back. It was so eye opening having the test numbers to compare and measure what was affecting calcium levels but maybe the most practical test is to check the strength of your fingernails. You can get a quick response there. If they are weak and you can wobble the ends maybe try daily almonds with no carbonated bevearges. Its a simple solution but it really worked for me even though I didnt know it would work.Love in Christ,CindyFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington