...can y'all actually digest raw collards?

[kidkid]

I can't digest raw collard greens! When I eat them, I am stuck in bed with excruciating constipation for about two days.

I've tried massaging and soaking them in vinegar, but same deal. The ones I used to eat cooked southern style never bothered my stomach (because they're all limp and dead), and I can eat them when I steam them for a few moments -- that's how I've been eating them these days -- I just hold them over a steaming pot for a few moments until they get a little softer.

Anyway, I was wondering what exactly the steaming does to the collards. I believe it breaks down the cellulose right? What else does the steaming do? Does it kill all the enzymes? Is there any other way I could potentially eat collards? Or should I just put them aside until my raw stomach gets stronger (heh and when will I know when that is?). I do love them SO MUCH (especially as wraps)!

thanks you guys! hope summer is going deliciously well for everyone:)

[TaupeRawMan]

Have you tried just the greens and not the stalks? The stalks are pretty starchy. Also, maybe in a green smoothie (although green smoothies can be a bit hard to digest for me sometimes...even with just 1 fruit and greens...).

[Aleesha Sattva]

i cut mine into small bite size pieces and then i massage them really well with my hands. i massage in olive oil, lime juice (you can use lemon or apple cider vinegar) and celtic sea salt. this marinate helps to break down the collards and soften them nicely.

but hey, if you can't digest them... wait awhile a try again (if you dare)... you don't HAVE to eat them afterall. (((hugs)))

[spicyfull]

I'd run them through the Food Processor with a few Pulses and use Alessha's method of loving them, rubbing them down and oiling them:o.

[Bookish Lass]

I've only had them in green smoothies and they caused me no problems.

[rawstrength]

Just use big lettuce leaves for wraps instead.
Or keep eating your collards steamed.

[kidkid]

oh yeah! Lettuce leaves exist and would make perfect wraps duuh

[annavon]

Are you chewing your greens thoroughly? I never realized that I didn't chew my food very well until I had a colonic done. The therapist noted all of the undigested food and told me that I was not chewing properly. Paying attention to my chewing really made a difference in my digestion. Also, I believe that getting a few colonics really helped too.

[freelive]

Juice them.