DOES EATING MEAT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

There are many negative health implications related to a diet that is mainly made up of red meat.  In the last century, there have been huge increases in obesity due to poor diet and nutrition.  People are more keen to visit a fast-food restaurants rather than preparing their own food.  Fast-food corporations, with their endless marketing budgets, entice people with processed foods that are cheap and unhealthy and reaping the benefits of their unwillingness to take a more proactive approach to their health and well-being. 

What are the benefits to a diet high in meat consumption? (They are not really benefits):

• High cholesterol and heart disease due to high fat and cholesterol content.
• Conventionally raised beef contains hormones and antibiotics.
• Processed meats (bacon, ham and sausage) are unhealthy due to their high fat, preservative and salt content.
• The mistreatment and murder of animals. 
• Obesity.
• Linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart attack and cancer.

What many people are not aware of are the implications a diet high in meat has on our environment.  Factory farming is not only promoting cruel and the unethical treatment of many animals, it has a devastating effect on the environment, especially when we are seeing water shortages across the globe.  Here are some of the environmental implications:

• Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.
• Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (Co2) per year, or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Methane is 25 – 100 times more destructive than CO2.
• Methane has a global warming power 86 times that of CO2.
• Livestock is responsible for 65% of all emissions of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas 296 times more destructive than carbon dioxide and which stays in the atmosphere for 150 years.
• Emissions for agriculture projected to increase 80% by 2050.
• US methane emissions from livestock and natural gas are nearly equal.
• Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) water use ranges from 70 – 140 million gallons annually in comparison, animal agriculture water consumption ranges from 34 – 76 trillion gallons annually.
• Agriculture is responsible for 80 – 90% of US water consumption.

All above facts are available via the following link:  http://www.cowspiracy.com/facts/

Our population is growing at an alarming rate.  Due to this population growth, the demand for meat grows and with the demand for more meat, there will be more deforestation (trees provide oxygen) and more demand for water.  Ask yourself, why is there such a huge increase in pulminary (asthma/bronchitis) disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancers and obesity?  The introduction of processed foods and factory farming are definitely contributing factors.  People are dying because of what they eat.  Does this seem right to you?  Our elected officials are not doing enough to contribute to a more sustainable future for the people those who have elected them.  They pander to big corporations who only care about their profits. 

We must take a more proactive approach to our health and our environment.  There are many people out there who have viable solutions to make our world more sustainable.  Isn’t it time to allow them to bring their initiative and ideas to the table?  Isn’t it time for REAL change and not the false identity of change our current leaders keep talking about?  Isn’t it time our governments stop spending money on war in favour of creating real positive change across the globe? 

The earth can’t sustain the population growth and our demand for more meat.  People must assess what is more important, the need to eat meat or saving our planet from destruction.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR BODY?

What we put in our bodies can actually promote positive energy or negative energy in how our bodies relate and respond to whatever it is we are giving it. 

We all know that processed foods are junk and can have a diverse affect on your health and long-term well-being.  Processed foods may even cause death.  The food and lifestyle choices we make can have a diverse affect not only directly to your health but on the environment as a whole.  (Cattle ranching/factory farming/pollution/waste).

Thinking about just the food you consumed, ask yourself, how has this food affected your body and mind?  Did you drink enough water?  Have you consumed enough vegetables, fruits, beans and seeds to give your body the vitamins and minerals required to ensure you have sufficient energy for your daily activities?  Are you feeding your body carcinogens that promote cancer in your body or feeding it fresh and organic foods that decrease your cancer risks?

What fast-food chains (McDonald’s/Burger King/KFC/Wendy’s/Tim Horton’s) promote:

• increased risk of diabetes, heart attack and high blood pressure.
• animal cruelty.
• pollution (water and air).
• deforestation (for factory farms/cattle ranches/pig farms).
• excessive landfill waste from garbage that can’t be recycled.
• low wages for employees but huge profits for shareholders and CEO’s.
• bankruptcy for local farmers who can’t compete with BIG corporations.

What other things can have a diverse affect on your body?

• pharmaceutical drugs
• excessive alcohol
• lack of exercise
• breathing polluted air
• over-the-counter drugs (allergy, sinus, headache, and all other medications for minor ailments) ***many of these medications can be stopped with proper diet and nutrition***
• excessive recreational drug use

When we are armed with the right information and really listen to our bodies, we can have tremendous and positive effect on bodies both physically and mentally.  Try this experiment….remove all ‘white’ foods from your diet – sugar, flour, bread, pasta and notice how your body feels (after the withdrawals of course).  If you have sinus infection or allergies, remove milk from your diet and substitute it with rice/soy or almond milk.  Migraines and high blood pressure???  Remove meat from your diet for a month and notice what happens.

We have all been bombarded with lies and misconceptions about what our bodies require.  These lies and misconceptions mostly come from companies who are dependent upon our lack of knowledge and education.  As a matter-of-fact, these companies (Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Neilson, KFC, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, etc) they profit from our distractions and our unwillingness to education ourselves.  These BIG corporations work with governments to ensure their agendas are being met by pushing legislation that benefits these corporations.  Think about it – if people are not becoming sick, how can pharmaceutical companies make money, how will hospitals treat the sick, how will insurance companies deny their clients health claims?  By being vigilant and proactive in our health, we not only benefit ourselves but our environment, the local economy, small businesses, local farmers, animals, our environment and our planet.  By NOT being distracted, we can also hold our governments and corporations accountable for the damage they are doing to us and to our planet.

I’m sure most of us prefer a life free of genetically modified food, meat that isn’t pumped with steroids and antibiotics, vegetables and fruits without damaging pesticides, water that is clean and air that we can breathe.  That is not reality right now because we are not demanding these rights.  Is it not time to clear your mind and body of all the toxins and distractions that these corporations and our governments are feeding us?  Would it not be great to finally live an authentic life without the influence of poisonous foods and drugs?  Isn’t it time that we cleanse our bodies and minds?  When we remove the slave mentality that our governments and big corporations have instilled in us, we become better people, better communities and a better world.  All you have to do is start with your food.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

BE KIND TO YOUR BODY

How many of us really take a proactive approach to health?  Most of us usually take action when we begin to feel ill or are ill in order to seek relief.  Why don’t we become more proactive in our health and try to prevent the illnesses instead of treating them?  One of the best ways to combat illness is proper nutrition and regular exercise.  If the body is being fed foods that help it work at its optimal level, your chances of becoming ill will decrease. 

Many of us make excuses about feeding our bodies the proper food/nutrients, people will say:  “It’s too expensive”, “it tastes bland”, “I don’t know where to buy them”, “I don’t know how to cook them”, “why bother they won’t do anything anyway”….etc.  Well, let me just say this – would you rather continue feeding your body foods that have been laced with pesticides, hormones and other chemicals?  Would you rather continue making those fast-food CEO’s richer knowing that they are poisoning you and your children?  Do you want to continue buying foods that have no nutritional benefit to your body?  I am sure you don’t.

Here are some of my favorite foods and some of the health benefits they promote:

KALE

• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• prevents cancer
• detoxifies
• provides cardiovascular support

You can add kale to your salad to ensure its optimal nutritional benefits in its raw form.

BROCCOLI

• anti-inflammatory
• antioxidant
• can enhance detoxification
• prevents cancer
• digestive support
• cardiovascular support

Broccoli is best raw – add it to your salad or slightly sauté in a stir fry.

SPINACH

• antioxidant
• great for bone health
• anti-inflammatory
• prevents cancer

Spinach can add another dimension and flavour to your salads.  Sauté it and add it to your stir fry or serve it as a side for breakfast.

GROUND SESAME SEED

• rich in copper, magnesium and calcium
• copper provides relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• magnesium supports cardiovascular and respiratory health
• calcium prevents colon cancer, osteoporosis, migraine and PMS

Another great addition to your salad.

FLAX SEED

• cardiovascular support
• antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• prevents cancer
• great for digestive health
• may help with post-menopausal symptoms (hot flashes)

You can grind flax seeds into a powder for greater absorption and add to salads, pasta’s and soups.

AVOCADOES

• promotes heart health
• wide range of anti-inflammatory benefits
• supports cardiovascular health
• promotes blood sugar regulation
• anti-cancer benefits

Avocado is great on toast, wraps, fajitas and in salads.

TOFU/TEMPEH

• supports cardiovascular health
• anti-cancer benefits
• prevents type 2 diabetes

Tofu is excellent as a sandwich, in salads, crumbled for breakfast and in a stir fry.

8  SEA VEGETABLES to incorporate into your diet

1. Arame
2. Nori
3. Kombu
4. Wakame
5. Hijiki
6. Dulse
7. Agar
8. Kelp

Here are some benefits of the above-mentioned sea vegetables:

• prevent aging and chronic disease
• lower cholesterol
• solve mineral deficiencies
• detoxify your body from heavy metals, environmental pollutants and carcinogens
• help control the growth of pathogenic viruses, candida, and pathogenic bacteria
• balance thyroid function
• fight constipation

*for more information about sea vegetables such as; where to buy, how to cook, etc – please visit:

http://bodyecology.com/articles/planets-healthiest-seaweeds.php

Take a proactive approach to your health by ensuring your body receives the proper nutrients it requires.  Listen to what your body is telling you – are you fatigued, do you constantly suffer from migraines, do your joints ache – your body is indicating that you are suffering from some form of deficiency.  Notice what you are putting into your body and how you feel shortly afterwards – are you bloated, sluggish, tired?  Food should not be making you feel like this, it should do the opposite by making you feel good and energized.

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional and am only offering information that may benefit your health. 

Resources:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=135

http://bodyecology.com/articles/planets-healthiest-seaweeds.php

IS YOUR FOOD KILLING YOU?

There is an epidemic in this country, a health crisis of epic proportions – heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.  This epidemic is putting a strain on the health care system and the current and future economies.  What is the culprit?  Poor diet, poor stress management and lack of exercise.  Our society is hooked on addictive processed ‘dead foods’ and when their health pays for it – they turn to medication instead of proper diet and exercise. 

To understand what is happening we must look at what so many people are eating today that is lacking in proper nutrition for our bodies: 

Foods That Are ‘Dead’

• most cereals (filled with sugar and food dyes – blue # 1, blue # 2, red # 3, red # 40, yellow # 6, and yellow tartrazine)
• milk (filled with growth hormones and antibiotics)
• flavored milk (loaded with as much(or more) of sugar
• pancakes (white flour is also refined)
• boxed waffles (filled with sugar and chemicals that give them long shelf life)
• fast-food breakfasts (McDonalds/Burger King/Wendy’s/etc…)
• croissants
• bacon/hot dogs/ham/luncheon meats/corned beef/smoked fish or any other processed meat (filled with sodium nitrate)
• fruit juices (that are not freshly squeezed) (filled with sulphur dioxide)
• anything white (bread, pasta, rice, sugar, flour) (filled with potassium bromate)

Food Matters printed a document listing the ‘Top 10 Food Additives To Avoid’ – this document is helpful as it explains why we should stay away from these additives.  You can find the document via this link:  http://www.hungryforchange.tv/article/top-10-food-additives-to-avoid 

Aspartame (E951)

Used in so-called “diet” or “sugar-free” products (including diet coke, coke zero), jello, desserts, sugar-free gum, drink mixes, table top sweeteners, cereal, breath-mints, puddings, kool-aid, iced tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste, cough syrup

Reasons to avoid:  Aspartame is not your friend.  Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen.  Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumour, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion and seizures.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) 

Used in most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals

Reasons to avoid:  High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is highly refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America.  HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG/E621)

Used in Chinese food, potato chips, many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats

Reasons to avoid:  MSG is used as a flavor enhancer but also affects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the “I’m full” function which results, for many, in weight gain.  MSG is an excito-toxin, and regular consumption may result in depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.

Trans Fat (Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils)

Used in margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods

Reasons to avoid:  Trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems.

Common Food Dyes:  Blue # 1 and Blue # 2, Red # 3 and Red # 40, Yellow # 6 and Yellow Tartrazine (E133, E124, E110, E102)

Used in candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks, pet foods, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, baked products, American cheese, macaroni and cheese

Reasons to avoid:  Artificial colorings, may contribute to behavioral problems like ADD and ADHD in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ.  Animal studies (poor animals) have linked other food colorings to cancer.

Sodium Sulphite (E221)

Used in wine and dried fruit

Reasons to avoid:  According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people are sensitive to sulfites in food.  Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience asthma, headaches, breathing problems and rashes.

Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite (E250)

Used in hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat

Reasons to avoid:  Sodium Nitrate is the chemical that turns meats bright red but it’s highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system.  There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organics:  the liver and pancreas in particular.  This toxic chemical is linked to many cancers.

BHA and BHT (E320)

Used as a preservative in potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello

Reasons to avoid:  This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid.  Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer.  BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

Sulphur Dioxide (E220)

Used as a preservative in beers, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products

Reasons to avoid:  Sulphur additives are toxic.  Adverse reactions include:  bronchial problems, asthma, hypotension, flushing tingling sensations or anaphylacic shock.  It destroys vitamins B1 and E in the body.  Not recommended for consumption by children.

Potassium Bromate (E924)

Used to increase volume in bread and bread-rolls

Reasons to avoid:  Potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals (again, poor animals).  Even small amounts in bread can creat problems for humans.

So knowing all of the above – why do we each so much processed junk?  The excuses are endless – accessibility, affordable, time-management, no other better choices, etc.  Food companies are knowingly putting these additives into our foods to ensure we become addicted to them.  The tobacco companies added nicotine to cigarettes so that people become addicted to them and we all know that smoking is highly addictive and horrible for our health – so why do we allow these addictive and hazardous chemicals into our foods without any question?  Knowing what we are putting into our bodies is the first step in changing the addictive behaviour, then we can move towards finding foods that will help us remove the toxins we bombarded our bodies with throughout the years.  After the detox – we can then change our diet to include more organic vegetables, fruits, seeds/nuts, beans and legumes and leaner organic meats to properly fuel our minds and bodies.  It is also vital to exercise 3 – 4 times a week, go for a vigorous walk or jog, play tennis, basketball, baseball, take an exercise class or join a gym.  Meditation and yoga will help you stay focused and keep your anxiety and stress levels down.

It is time to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are beautiful!  Loving yourself and taking care of yourself will insure your success in life and love and most importantly – will keep you healthy so that you can inspire others.

To begin your journey, a great resource is the documentary Hungry For Change a film by Nutritional Consultants, James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch.  This film will arm you with the information you need to begin your journey to health and well-being.  The film takes an in-depth look at what the food companies are not telling consumers and why diets will never work. 

Resources:

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/

http://www.foodmatters.tv/

http://www.naturalnews.com/Index.html

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

NEVER SAY “NEVER”…..

We have all heard the following statements:  “One person can’t make a difference” or “you will never be able to do that”….Most of us will believe someone when they tell us we are not able to accomplish something in our lives – especially if those words come from a figure of authority (doctor, fitness training, teacher, etc.).  There was a time in my life when I believed this to be true, but I don’t anymore.  I have seen and heard stories of so many people overcoming challenges they were told they would never overcome – it’s inspiring.  Here are a few examples:

YOU CAN NEVER BUILD MUSCLE ON A VEGAN DIET

MAN TOLD HE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO WALK AGAIN

FAITH THE DOG (old story but still amazing)

No-one can’t should not tell you that you are not able to accomplish something in your life….only we can make the decision to accomplish whatever tasks we want to ourselves.  If a goal in your life is to lose weight – if you really want to, YOU CAN!  If you want to become self-employed – YOU CAN!  If you want to get off high blood pressure pills – with the proper diet and exercise – YOU CAN!  If you want to create positive change in the world – YOU CAN!

Together we can make the world a more positive one.

ESSENTIAL VITAMINS & MINERALS

Today, we are so bombarded with so much information that it is sometimes difficult to decipher fact from fiction.  In terms of our health, vitality and well-being – someone may say that a particular food/vitamin is good for your while someone else tells you that it is not.  Who do we believe, who do we trust?  We trust ourselves and we should trust what our bodies tell us.  Your body generally tells you which foods agree with you and which others don’t – you may feel sick to your stomach, have bloating, have cramps, get diarrhea or vomit from certain foods.  When/if this happens you must take notice of what you have eaten…..you may want to start a food journal by writing the date, time and what you have eaten – you may even want to write down how you felt after eating those specific foods.  This will allow you to get more information about what is good for YOUR body as we all process foods differently – what you may enjoy eating may have a complete different effect on someone else and what someone else may like, may not agree with you.  Trust yourself and trust your body.

Another topic that has contradicting statements from various resources is the topic of vitamins.  What should vitamins should we be taking?  Do women need more of certain vitamins that men?  Do vegetarians/vegans get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet?  Are children receiving the proper vitamins and minerals than children born of other generations?  Is pesticide usage affecting the vitamins and minerals that are food have?

Here is some information about vitamins written by Dr. Tamer Shaban.  Dr. Tamer Shaban is Vice Chairman of International Cupping Society (UK), M.B.B.CH, D.H.P., D.C.M.T, S.N.N.S Dip. (Nutrition), S.N.H.S Dip. (Herbalism), Member of the Royal Institute of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, Member of the Complete Mind Therapists Association.    

The word “Vitamin” is composed of two parts:  “vital” which means essential and “amine” because it was previously thought that this compound was amine in its nature.  Multivitamins are a mixture of vitamins and minerals which are essential for the body to work and stay healthy.

We sometimes try multivitamin supplements without knowing what kind of vitamins and minerals we need to take, and the functions of every element and how it affects our body.  This will be covered in this article.

THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS

There are two types of vitamins, fat soluble vitamins (vitamins which dissolve in fat) which are vitamins A, D, E and K, and water soluble vitamins which are B-complex, C, And folate (folic acid).

The Functions of Fat Soluble Vitamins:

1.  Vitamin A – Growth, development, enhancement of our immune system, this vitamin is essential for our eyesight, especially night vision.

*Deficiency Signs – Night blindness, skin problems with an increase in the rate of acquiring infections.

**Natural Sources – Liver, kidney, eggs and fish liver oil  For Vegetarians/Vegans – Fish-free Omega 3s Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart, brain, skin and joint health.  Fortunately, you can get them without all the cholesterol and toxins found in fish.  Flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil are good vegan sources of the omega-3 ALA.  It’s also a good idea to take vegan DHA capsules, which contain omega-3s derived from algae (where the fish get it from!).

2.  Vitamin D – This is important for bone formation, it works by controlling calcium absorption and excretion.  Recent studies show that vitamin D inhibits some forms of cancer growth.

*Deficiency Signs – Rickets (disease characterized by deformities in the skeleton — especially hands, legs and chest bones, and pain in the bones and muscle weakness).

**Natural Sources – Cod liver oil, milk, eggs, liver and oily fish For Vegetarians/Vegans Vitamin D, the Sunshine Vitamin, Sunshine is one of the best sources of Vitamin D.  During warmer months, your skin should manufacture enough of the vitamin if your face and forearms are exposed without sunscreen to midday sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes per day.  But many students and people who work indoors don’t get enough exposure.  And in many areas, sunlight during colder and cloudier months isn’t strong enough to give you a sufficient dose of vitamin D.   Many brands of non-dairy milks contain some calcium and vitamin D, as do some brands of fortified orange juice.  But doctors increasingly say that no matter what you eat, it’s a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement of at least 1,000 IU on the days that you aren’t getting sufficient sunlight exposure.

3.  Vitamin E – It works as an antioxidant (protects our tissues from free-radical damage) and has other functions such as improving blood circulation and removing wound scars.

*Deficiency Signs – None reported.

**Natural Sources – Wheat germ oil, almonds, sun flower oil and peanuts. 

4.  Vitamin K – Its major function is its role in the blood coagulation process which prevents our body from bleeding to death.

*Deficiency Signs – Excessive bleeding or poor blood coagulation action.

**Natural Sources – Spinach, broccoli, eggs and meat.  For Vegetarians/Vegans Spinach is rich in iron, so eat it heartily to build strong muscles.  Other iron-rich foods include beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, chickpeas, oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, molasses, and grains such as quinoa and millet. 

The Functions of Fat Soluble Vitamins:

1.  Vitamin C – It plays a vital role in the formation of several enzymes, absorption of iron, antioxidant function, formation of collagen (which leads to healthy skin and joints) and wound healing.

*Deficiency Signs – Scurvy (a disease characterized by bleeding from the gums, bleeding from the skin, fatigue and delayed wound healing)

**Natural Sources – Kiwi and citrus fruits, guava, mango and broccoli.

2.  Vitamin B complex – A complex of vitamins that total more than ten individual nutrients; the most essential being B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine) and B12 (Cyanocobalamin).  These vitamins play an important role in the body’s energy production, nervous system, immune system, and iron absorption.

*Deficiency Signs – Vitamin B12 anemia (a disease characterized by fatigue, pallor, an increased heart beat rate and lack of energy).  Some other signs include emotional disturbance, skin disease, tongue inflammation and hair loss.

**Natural Sources – Meat, liver, milk, yeast and its products, nuts and whole grain cereals  For Vegetarians/Vegans Leading health experts encourage everyone to tak a multivitamin or supplement to get ample amounts of vitamin B12.  It’s also found in fortified nutritional yeast, some supermarket cereals, and fortified soy and rice milk as well as in some meat analogues.

3.  Folic acid – Essential in the formation of RNA and DNA.

*Deficiency Signs – Megaloblastic anemia (a disease characterized by fatigue, pallor, increased heart beat rate and lack of energy) and possible infertility.

**Natural Sources – Spinach, brussel sprouts, green beans and cauliflower.

THE ESSENTIAL MINERALS

The minerals are classified into three parts: macro, trace, and ultra trace minerals.  The essential minerals which we need to be healthy are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and fluorine.  The essential trace elements are copper, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and iodine.

The Functions of the Most Important Essential Minerals:

1. Calcium – Plays an important role in bone and teeth formation and nervous system health.

*Deficiency Signs – Leads to stunted growth, increased rate of bone fractures and nervous system problems.

**Natural Sources – Milk For Vegetarians/Vegans Cows don’t have to suffer in order for people to get calcium.  It’s abundant in collard greens, kale, broccoli, beans, sesame tahini, and almonds.  It can also be found in calcium-fortified soy or rice milk, orange juice, and some brands of tofu.

2.  Iron – Plays an important role in red blood cell formation.

*Deficiency Signs – Leads to iron deficiency anemia which is characterized by fatigue, pallor, concave nails with white lines and an increased heart beat rate.

**Natural Sources – Eggs, meat, liver and fish For Vegetarians/Vegans dried beans and dark green leafy vegetables are especially good sources of iron, even better on a per calorie basis than meat. Iron absorption is increased markedly by eating foods containing vitamin C along with foods containing iron. Vegetarians do not have a higher incidence of iron deficiency than do meat eaters.

3.  Zinc – Essential for growth and development, enhances immune function and wound healing, increases fertility.

*Deficiency Signs – Leads to skin inflammation, hair loss, sore throat, delayed growth and diarrhea.

**Natural Sources – Meat, vegetables with leaves, whole grains, milk and eggs For Vegetarians/Vegans The best, common plant sources of zinc are legumes, nuts, seeds, and oatmeal.

The Functions of the Most Important Essential Trace Minerals:

1.  Iodine – This is essential for growth and development because it is the compound of thyroid hormones.

*Deficiency Signs – goiter (a disease characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland and decreased heart beat rate).

**Natural Sources – Milk, sea fish, and iodized salt For Vegetarians/Vegans North American vegans should take a modest iodine supplement; 75-150 µg every day or every other day should be enough.  Vegan iodine supplements can be found in most grocery or natural food stores, and most multivitamins contain iodine.  In the United States, you can get the extra 75 µg of iodine from 1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt. If you are already eating 1/4 teaspoon of salt per day on your foods, make sure it is iodized.

2. Chromium – Assists in glucose utilization by enhancement of insulin action.

*Deficiency – Weight loss and an inability to tolerate glucose.

**Natural Sources – Meat, Whole grains and nuts For Vegetarians/Vegans DITCH THE MEAT!

We all know that vegan foods are far healthier than animal products. They’re cholesterol-free, and they’re more likely to be low in saturated fat and calories and high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and cancer-fighting antioxidants.  (Minus the vegan cookies, candy and potato chips).  If you want to reap the health benefits of a vegan diet – a slim waistline, normal blood pressure, lots of energy, and a reduced risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer – you should eat an array of fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, and other wholesome plant-based foods. Your health and the planets animals will thank you!

Together we can make the world a more positive one.

Resources:

http://www.vrg.org/ 

www.peta.org

www.naturalnews.com

http://www.veganhealth.org/