Hi! I'm brand new to the site. I'm raw-vegan about 80%. The remaining 20% is the occasional serving of rice (veggie sushi), tortilla chips or vegan muffin (once in a while!), and a few 'questionable' items I wanted your opinions on-

* Mustard and balsamic vinegar- if it is virtually calorie-free, then does it use enzymes to digest? Does it inhibit digestion of other foods in any way?

* Decaf Coffee- Same deal, if it has no calories, how does it use enzymes?

*Raw hemp protein powder- I am certain that this product is raw. I just wanted to know if anyone else out there uses it. I prefer Manitoba Harvest brand. It is the most complete protein on earth with all 9 essential amino acids. I just haven't seen or read much about it in books/articles. Is 'hemp' taboo?

Thanks! Hope to meet new people, I feel like a lone ranger. ttfn

1. i can't answer this question fully. But, i know that you can find whole mustard seeds, which would have calories--as well as a nutrient spectrum.

i don't think about the enzyme business though and it's relationship to calories

2. i'm pretty sure coffee is heated well above 118 degrees F, which wouldn't make it raw. also, to decaf coffee, or to roast it, you have to heat it a great deal about 118. i'm fairly certain coffee is not considered a 'raw food' unless you're getting sunroasted or unroasted beans.

3. what is the process of taking raw hemp seeds to raw hemp powder? this should indicate whether or not it is 'really raw.' otherwise, why not just consume raw hemp seeds (ground)?

also, can you give a link regarding the brand. so far i can't find it or any others. my husband occassionally uses whey protien powder. if i could find one that was better (and wasn't an allergen for him) then that would be great!

Hey- thanks for your imput. Actually, I wasn't asking whether or not these things are raw. I'm 100% certain that mustard and coffee are not raw and I'm 100% certain that hemp powder IS raw. I was asking whether or not your body uses enzymes to digest things that do no contain calories, and if they inhibit digestion of raw foods at all.

Hemp protein powder is a miracle. I have tried all of the brands (there are only about 4) and Manitoba Harvest is the best. http://www.manitobaharvest.com/ Take caution, it does not taste very good. I mix it in green or fruit smoothies. It is more that 50% protein, raw and vegan and contains all 9 essential amino acids. The company also sells shelled hemp seeds, which are delicious. I have never tried the oil because I don't ususally consume oils. My question regarding hemp was if anyone else had discovered it and why it isn't mentioned much in articles and recipes. I think it is somewhat 'foreign' because it can be hard to find and it not grown in the USA. The "Raw Guru" (rawguru.com) named Hemp seeds as the #1 raw food as far as nutrition.

Also- what are your opinions on avocados? I have basically learned nothing but wondeful things about them. Then, I read that they actually do use some of our enzymes to digest since they are so dense. I eat about 2/week. Any opinions on avocados?

yes, your body uses acid and enzymes to digest everything--whether or not it involves calories. cooking food helps break it down so our body isn't working as hard, as do the enxymes that are naturally found in foods if you don't cook them (in many cases).

i use a lot of hemp seeds and hemp oil. i'll definately look into the protien.

oh, and i like avocados. :) i think they're relaly good for you.

everything in balance, though, you know?