Kiwifruit Enzymes

Kiwifruit enzymes is one of our favourites. It's fragrant, tasty and refreshing.

Kiwifruit is the most nutrient-rich of the top 26 fruits consumed in the world today. It also has the highest density of any fruit for vitamin C and magnesiumóa limited mineral in the food supply of most affluent countries and a nutrient important for cardiovascular health. Among the top three low-sodium, high-potassium fruits, kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruits.

Kiwifruit is classified as an excellent source of vitamin C as well as dietary fiber. It is a good source of vitamin E and potassium. Kiwifruit is low fat and contains no cholesterol.

Unlike other fruits, kiwifruit has an unusually broad complement of nutrients. Most fruits tend to be high in only one or two nutrients, but kiwifruit delivers 8% DV (daily value) of folic acid, 8% DV of copper, 8% DV of pantothenic acid, 6% DV of calcium and magnesium, 4% DV of iron and vitamin B6, 2% DV of phosphorus and trace amounts of vitamin A (beta carotene) and other vitamins and minerals.

Cancer : Kiwifruit has been shown to contain an antimutagenic component, helping to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process. The presence of glutathione may account for the reduction.

· Carcinogenic nitrates are formed during the smoking or barbecuing of foods. When nitrates are ingested, a process called nitrosation can occur, in which free radicals nitrosamines are formed that may lead to the formation of gastric or other cancers. Kiwi has been demonstrated to aid in the prevention of nitrosation.
· In another in vitro test with cultured mammalian-cell lines, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, or skin cancer.
· The amino acid arginine, present in kiwifruit, is being looked at by cardiologists to improve postangioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation (or reformation) of plaque in the arteries.
· Kiwifruit is ranked as having the fourth highest natural antioxidant potential next to the red fruits containing high levels of beta carotene.
· Lutein, an important phytochemical found in kiwifruit, has been linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
· In addition to kiwifruit being recognized by the FDA as an excellent source of dietary fiber, studies indicate that it contains another not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time even faster than dietary fiber alone important for colorectal cancer prevention. The benefit of this laxative action is to decrease the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.
· Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green at maturity, and chlorophyll is responsible for that color. Several studies have suggested that chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.


Depression: Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol, because of its function as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system, can be beneficial in the treatment of depression.


Diabetes: Inositol, a sugar alcohol naturally occurring in kiwifruit, may play a positive role in regulating diabetes. Inositol supplements may improve nerve conduction velocity in diabetic neuropathy.
· Inositol plays a role in intracellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. It acts as a second messenger in cell signaling processes.


Eye Health / Macular Degeneration: Kiwifruit is rich in phytochemicals xanthophylls and especially a subcomponent, lutein. Lutein is known to accumulate in the retina of the eye. Recent USDA studies have linked these important compounds to the prevention of macular degeneration the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S.
· Kiwifruit contains a wealth of carotenoids (beta carotenes, luteins and xanthophylls); phenolic compounds (flavonoids and anthocyanins) and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The excellent complement of antioxidants in kiwifruit may help prevent the oxidation of the good cholesterol (HDLs).
· Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine may help promote an increase in arteriolar dilation, working as a vasodilator and improving blood flowóimportant for heart health.
· Kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E, crucial for a healthy heart.
· Kiwifruit contains magnesium at 6% DV. Magnesium is thought to be in short supply in the diets of affluent countries. Poor magnesium status is associated with heart disease, myocardial infarction and hypertension.
· Kiwifruit contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.


Hypertension: Cardiologists believe the sodium-to-potassium ratio is critical for heart health. That ratio is extremely favorable in kiwifruit.

Immunity: Kiwifruit has been shown to be an immune booster most likely due to its extremely high vitamin C content and its complement of antioxidant compounds.

Impotence: Kiwifruit contains the amino acid arginine, a well-known vasodilator that has been used to treat impotence in men.

Physical Fitness: Kiwifruit contains a wide range of minerals (electrolytes) essential for replenishing those lost during exercise especially in hot environments. It is also a naturally significant source of electrolytes for a pre-workout regimen.

· In China, a kiwi-based sport drink was designed to overcome athletic training in a hot environment, where large amounts of minerals can be lost in sweat. A 5% addition of carbohydrates to the kiwifruit juice helped to maintain a normal glucose level during exhaustive training. The sports drink was tested on China's elite soccer and track teams and in a more controlled experiment on amateur athletes. The results? Subjects were able to ride a Monark ergometer longer, hematocrit increased significantly after exercise, the drink maintained blood glucose at normal levels when training lasted more than 2.5 hours without affecting insulin levels and vitamin C status of the athletes improved as measured by urinary output. Best of all, athletes said it was fragrant, tasty, refreshing and thirst quenching. It appeared to have no negative side effects (Di et al, 1990).

Stress Reduction: Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin. Serotonin causes a calming effect in most individuals.

Weight Control: Calorie for calorie, kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-rich fruits. You get the best balance of nutrients per calorie (the most nutrients for the fewest calories) from kiwifruit, cantaloupe, papaya and lemons.

Source : www.calharvest.com

The bio-film on top is sometimes formed during fermentation. It is harmless although it does look rather unappealing. Still, it is one of the best tasting and nutrient-rich enzymes you can make for yourself and your family.

Enzymes for flowering plants

Pn Ng sprays her plants with enzymes mixed with water. This works as effective pesticide and helps plants to grow. Just look at these beautiful blooms.




The broad-leaved epiphyllum (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is a particularly well-known species of epiphyllum. It bears large, strongly fragrant flowers that bloom for a single night only.

In Chinese, there is a saying "昙花一现" (tanhua yi xian) which means "to bloom briefly", alluding to the short lifespan of the flower, which only lasts one night.

Pineapple, Tomato, Papaya-Wolfberry Enzymes

Pineapple + Lemon+ oligo +lime flower honey (Left bottle with blue lid)


Effect:
Pineapple has been used to alleviate the degree of inflammation and to speed up tissue repair. Its enzyme helps digestion. This fruit is rich in vitamin C which works to reduce pigmentation, and helps soothe and hydrate skin.

Papaya + lemon + chinese wolfberry (non preservative) + oligo + honey (right bottle with blue lid)

Effect:
Papaya is a rich source of anti-oxidants such as carotenes and flavonoids. The enzyme content promotes skin whitening and body slimming. You can also use young papaya.
Young papaya is high in papain which is an enzyme that helps to break down protein, carbohydrate, and fat components in food. Research suggests that raising one's digestive enzyme levels can strengthen the immune system. Papain has the ability to penetrate tissues and help dissolve injured and hardened tissues.



Tomato + lemon + oligo + honey (bottle in the middle, grey lid)

Effect:
Tomato has high levels of lycopene. Lycopene has been reported to be effective in fighting and preventing cancer. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ginger Enzymes

The ingredients for Ginger Enzymes are:
Fresh young ginger 150g
Fresh mature ginger 150 g
Lemon 200g
Oligo 90g
Lime flower honey 250g

Method:
1. Rinse, dry and slice young ginger, mature ginger and lemon.
2. Divide ingredients into 3 portions. Stack ingredients in sequence: mature ginger, young ginger, lemon, oligo and lime flower honey into the glass jar. Repeat the process with the remaining two portions.
3. Seal tight with food wrap after the three portions of ingredients are completely stacked in.
Cover with a lid. Keep in dry cool place for 2 weeks before serving.
4. Mix 30 ml with 10 times of water for serving.

Effect:
People who suffer from indigestion, cold and cough will be benefit from the ginger enzymes remedy due to its warming property to stomach and lung. Ginger enzymes is commonly used as herbal tonic during confinement as it helps to disperse "wind" and invigorate women's reproductive system.

Cheryl Oo's Roselle Plant

Here are two pictures of my roselle plant.

Pn. Ang gave 4Sc1 '08 some roselle seeds last year in the month of August. Thank you Puan Ang for the seed which is now a beautiful roselle plant in my house. =)

First, we planted them in school. We watered them everyday.

Unfortunately, some of our seeds were blown away due to strong winds and a thunderstorm which occured at night. My seed was one of those which survived the hurricane. Pheww...

We took back our seeds and continued planting it at home.

It's March 2009 already and I'm proud to say that my roselle plant is finally blooming! XD

The above picture is an overall view of my roselle plant. I placed a stick next to my plant for some support, just in case the stem falls down.

Here's a close snapshot of the flower.

Enzymes can be used as Fertilizer and Pesticide

Pn Ng Guat Hwa's pride and joy in her garden.




She uses eco enzymes as plant hormones for her pineapple plants and banana tree. She also adds enzymes into water to spray on her plants. This works great as pesticide. Just look at her healthy fruit tree.

More Enzymes by 5 Arts 1

The 5 Arts 1 girls are really putting their CNY orange peels and other fruit cuttings to good use. Way to go girls. Well done. You are learning fast.


These girls are really enthusiastic about this. They want to make more after the exams. They've kept their present bottles of enzymes well covered under an overturned pail to prevent "accidents". Very clever. They know some of their teachers have had to deal with enzyme geysers and explosions in the homes! ROFL

Facebook

We now have a facebook group.

Check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59441987692

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

There are a number of ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more earth-friendly lifestyle. Some of them are more feasible than others. This post aims to provide an overview of some of the aspects of sustainable living.

Did you know... Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions, so every time you make coffee, turn the computer on, or use the dryer you are adding to global warming.

Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately

These will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. They will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you money.* Turn off when not in use (lights, fans, air-conditioner, television, computer, DVD player, hi fi, playstation, water heater, etc. ...)

* Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)

* Fill your washing machine or dish washer with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder. Use enzymes to cut down the amount of detergent used.


* Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need* Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging

* Do your weekly shopping in a single trip

* Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it


* Fit energy saving light bulbs

* Car pool

* For short journeys either walk or cycle

As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.



If you buy imported foods at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away - all adding to your carbon footprint.

* Reduce your consumption of meat.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables.


* Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away like Evian)
* Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own. Plant trees.

* Recycle as much as possible.


Print on both sides of paper



* Use ceramic plates and mugs. Avoid disposables.


* Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. saunas, fitness centres, computer games. Go out and play tennis or badminton, go wind-surfing, walk around the park, swim.