which are transformed by the plants into absorbable nutrients. As soon as a food is harvested the energy and nutrients start changing and diminishing, making freshly harvested foods the highest in nutritional value. Raw foods are much harsher and colder to the body and can cause indiges- tion, gas, and heartburn. Light cooking— such as steam- ing—will make foods more palatable and socially agree- a b l e . Ke e p in mind that frozen foods contain less nutrition than fresh, but more than canned. Organic foods are higher in nutrients and have no pesticide/ herbicide residues, hormones, antibiotics, genetic alterations, and generally involve more animal/earth-friendly farming techniques. Petrochemicals used in most commercial agriculture and other food industry ad- ditives are linked with various diseases, including cancer. Our daily diet should include 5-13
Several protein precursors (amino Essential fats:
Important for brain development and function, formation of steroid hormones, vitamin D synthesis, cell membranes and skin integrity. Referred to as Omega-3 and 6 fats, they are found in most plants and are concentrated in seeds (flax) and fish (salmon).
acids) are not made in the body and are essential in the diet for survival. Animal sources of proteins supply all the essen- tial amino acids. Plant protein sources contain varying amounts of the essential amino acids, and must be combined to provide complete nutrition. In general, it is good to vary protein sources, fo- cusing less on red meats and poultry, and more on fish, beans, nuts and seeds. Protein with each meal or snack is impor tant for maintaining a stable blood sugar. Dietary meats in moderation do have benefit for those have physi-
cally demanding or draining lifestyles, but it’s important to remember that exces- sive animal proteins in the diet tend to increase stress on the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system. Essential fats have many functions
servings of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, which supply vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fats and protein. Color-rich fruits and vegetables are nutri- ent dense as are complex carbohydrates (like in whole grains), which also provide sustained energy. Simple carbohydrates like pasta and breads, however, should be limited as they are generally lower in nu- trients and fiber, and higher in calories.
in the body, including brain develop- ment and function, formation of steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, etc.), Vitamin D synthesis, cell membranes, and skin integrity. Essential fats are referred to as omega-3 and 6 fats, and are found in most plants, concentrated in seeds (flax) and in fish (wild salmon). These fats are anti-inflammatory, anti-blood clotting, and lower blood pressure among other functions. The fats found in red meats, dairy and poultry are different however,
and have almost opposing effects on the body (increasing inflammation, clotting, and blood pressure, etc.) Supplementation with vitamins and
minerals can help in disease prevention and in deterring disease progression. However, many vitamins and minerals available are not in easily assimilated forms. One example is calcium from carbonate (chalk), oyster shells or coral. Raw earth metals and minerals are not optimal for digestion or use by the human body, and can have adverse side effects. Supplementation can also lead to mega doses of only a few vitamins/minerals. Nutrients work together in the body, and excesses in one nutrient can offset the balance of others. Intensive nutritional supplementation requires well-trained medical supervision to avoid biochemical imbalances. Ready-made food is available 24
hours as groceries and markets offer fast convenient meals for the bustling 21st century American. However, good nutrition takes time and work, from the treatment of the animals and plants to the food industry processing; from the market to your dinner table; from your mood to your stomach. Ideally it would be nice to have instant nutrition which tasted good, all the way down and fortified your every nutrient need. There’s a term for that called manna. It is not readily available…yet.
For more information, contact Dr. Aimee Sheppard, N.D., M.O.M.,
L.AC. at 336- 655-2832. See ad on page 43.
At a Glance...What to Limit or Eliminate
✱ Table salt (Contains aluminum, replace with sea salt) ✱ Hydrogenated oils (like margarine). These have have been implicated in heart disease & cancer. Substitute with olive, sunflower or safflower oils
✱ Synthetic food colorings (implicated in many disorders from ADD to cancer) ✱ Processed foods, deep-fried foods, charcoaled foods ✱ Bleached grains and sugars (they are depleted of nutrients and fiber). Replace refined sugar with with honey, maple syrup, stevia.
✱ Sugar-rich, carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages ✱ Foods high in preservatives, such as nitrates (packaged meats) and sulfites ✱ Aluminum and plastic cookware
Triad.NaturalAwakenings.com November 2004 ∅
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