Every day, there seems to be something new and inspiring discoveries about vegetables, fruits and plants, as well as other nutrients in general. Here are few:
It is believed that one of the best anti-aging practices is to restrict calories in our bodies. Eating less is better for us in the long run.
Dr. Ron Rothenberg of California Health Span says that this has been observed in the species—from yeast to monkeys. By taking in less calories, we can live longer through a regimen that is something like eating less but nutritiously.
Resveratrol
There are calorie restriction clubs in the world today. But advocates of “eating well” maintain that, while there are benefits to controlling one’s food intake, the person on this regimen will simply say, “what’s the point of being miserably hungry?”
There is, however, a discovery about resveratrol, which is found in grapes and is said to give you the same long life expectancy that calorie restriction supposedly does.
This substance turns on the survival mechanism in the plant. When people consume grapes, or resveratrol supplements, they switch on the genes that carry the message of survival. Its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits are considered a new breakthrough for anti-aging researches.
While it is also found in wine, it is more effective in supplement form.
Sunlight
Vitamin D comes from sunlight, that’s why it’s called the sunshine vitamin. And the easiest way to absorb it is by sweating under the sun minus the sunblock. But because the sun can cause wrinkles, the best prescription is to take in just enough sun each day.
Example: One whole day in the sun, around five to six hours, can produce 10,000 to 20,000 IUs of vitamin D. But you can also take a supplement if you do not want to get a suntan.
Vitamin D is an immune booster and a potent antiviral agent. Thus, it is highly recommended for those who are prone to catching a cold.
It is best paired with the mineral zinc. A deficiency in vitamin D will have the following symptoms: tooth decay and osteoporosis.
Natural sources: butter, fish oils, egg yolk, liver, sunshine.
Grow taller
Any pediatrician will tell you that a child undergoes a growth spurt from the ages of 10 to 16.
But there is a way to help nature along the way by increasing nutrient intake. If a parent notices that a child is experiencing retarded growth, here is a rundown of some natural approaches. Increase the following:
Fat—meat, butter
Protein—soybeans, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, peanuts
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)—cheese, milk, liver, yeast
Folic acid—green, leafy vegetables, fruits, liver
Zinc—vegetables, whole grains, sunflower/pumpkin seeds
Cobalt—liver, pancreas and organ meats
Healing wounds
Vitamin C is found in kiwi and guava, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers and cabbage.
The best way to achieve radiant skin in general is to increase intake of vitamin C.
For wound healing, there is no better combination than vitamin C with zinc to hasten the recovery and repair process.
Zinc on the other hand, acts like a traffic officer that oversees the efficiency of our body processes and enzyme systems. Without zinc, protein synthesis and collagen formation (to keep you youthful-looking) are hampered.
Natural sources: shellfish (especially cooked oysters), beef lamb, eggs, nuts, whole grains
Vitamin K
Some people seem allergic to vegetables, or even frightened by the sight of it. But new health findings reveal that those fragile-looking greens can save your life.
Vitamin K (named from the German for coagulation) has been long valued by physicians to promote blood clotting. Surgeons advise their patients to load up on vitamin K before undergoing a procedure. This is also to prevent bruising.
Natural sources: green, leafy vegetables
Today’s affirmation: “I claim success.”
Love and light!
(References: “Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century” by Earl Mindell; “Breakthrough” by Suzanne Somers)