Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Zinc to heal Stretch Marks?

Today I came across a picture from facebook.. Here, I'll show you.


I myself have ridges on my nails, and stretch marks out of these ailments, which both are said to be caused by low zinc levels- along with having "chicken skin"- or Keratosis Pilaris, on my arms- which seems to be from lack of EFAs, and is already almost gone, (thanks to a clean diet).

So, naturally, after reading this, I researched more about foods with these minerals/nutrients.. going the extra mile. ;)

From what I have learned; raw nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits- are all worthy zinc sources.

I also learned that while supplementing with the highest sources of raw vegan zinc rich foods, it's still important to avoid stressing out, boozing, and consuming too much phytic acid from grains and legumes (if you're not a raw foodist), or spinach, (if you are). These decrease the amount of zinc that can be absorbed, and can lead to zinc deficiency- which is the problem here. It's also important to keep your Zinc:Copper ratio around 7 mg zinc per 1 mg of copper (6-8:1). However, raw vegans may not meet these standards due to the large quantities of copper-rich foods they eat. I don't think this is anything to worry about. Just consider including more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that have good zinc content in them. Just losing weight and/(by) keeping your diet low in fat, high in water, and rich in calories from fruit (or cooked [root] vegetables)- you will be doing a major favor for your body within allowing it to heal/live, the way nature intended, and you will see your stretch marks and bumpy skin gradually disappear/pass away, (if these are your issue).

80/10/10 has prismatic benefits!

Anyways, here I have some of the research I did today- regarding which foods are good for zinc deficiency, courtesy of CRONOMETER.COM.

Note: For all nuts and seeds listed here- I have used the amounts recommended on a low-fat (80/10/10) diet, being 1 oz./2 tbsp. as serving, maximum per day. Two tablespoons of a seed/nut butter a couple times a week, or one half of an avocado fruit every day as a maximum, is recommended, also. Although, no fat is necessary. 

Chia Seed – 
Zinc - 1.30 mg, 8.7%
Copper - .26 mg, 13.1%
O3 - 5.05g
O6 - 1.65g

Pumpkin Seed – 
Zinc - 2.21 mg, 14.8%
Copper - .38 mg, 19%
O3 - .03g
O6 - 5.86g

Flax Seed –
Zinc – 1.23 mg, 8.2%
Copper - .35 mg, 17.3%
O3 – 6.47g
O6 – 1.68g

Hemp Seed –
Zinc – 2.80 mg, 18.7%
Copper – n/a
O3 – n/a
O6 – n/a

Sesame Seed –
Zinc – 2.17, 14.5%
Copper – 1.14, 57.1%
O3 - .11g
O6- 5.99g

Watermelon Seed –
Zinc – 2.87 mg, 19.1%
Copper - .19 mg, 9.6%
O3 – none
O6 – 7.87g

Sunflower –
Zinc - .05mg, .3%
Copper - .02mg, .9%
O3 – <.01g
O6 – .23g

Seeds – Watermelon 15:1, Hemp (n/a), Pumpkin 6:1, Sesame 2:1, Chia 5:1, Flax 3.5:1, Sunflower 2.5:1

Cashews –
Zinc – 1.62mg, 10.8%
Copper - .61mg, 30.7%

Almonds –
Zinc - .87mg, 5.8%
Copper - .28mg, 14.1%

Peanuts –
Zinc - .92mg, 6.1%
Copper - .32mg, 16%

Walnuts –
Zinc – .87mg, 5.8%
Copper – .44mg, 22.2%

Macadamia –
Zinc - .36mg, 2.4%
Copper - .21mg, 10.6%

Brazil –
Zinc - 1.15mg, 7.7%
Copper - .49mg, 24.7%

Pecans –
Zinc – 1.27mg, 8.5%
Copper - .34 mg, 16.8%

1 Med. Coconut’s Meat –
Zinc – 4.37mg, 29.1%
Copper – 1.73mg, 86.3%

1 oz. Coconut meat, shredded –
Zinc - .31mg, 2.1%
Copper - .12mg, 6.2%

Hazelnuts –
Zinc - .69mg, 4.6%
Copper - .46mg, 24.2%

Pine Nuts –
Zinc – 1.81mg, 12%
Copper - .37 mg, 18.5%

Pistachio –
Zinc - .62mg, 4.1%
Copper - .36mg, 18.2%

Chestnuts –
Zinc - .24mg, 1.6%
Copper - .10mg, 5.1%

Nuts – Pine Nuts 5:1, Cashews 3:1, Pecans 4:1, Brazil 2:1, Peanuts 3:1, Almonds 3:1, Walnuts 2:1, Hazelnuts 1.5:1, Pistachio 2:1, Macadamia 2:1, Coconut 2.5:1, Chestnuts 2:1

Crimini – 10 mushrooms
Zinc – 2.20mg, 14.7%
Copper – 1mg, 50%

Shiitake – 10 mushrooms (must cook)
Zinc – 1.96mg, 13%
Copper – .27mg, 13.5%

Mushrooms – Crimini 2:1, Shiitake 7:1.

Spinach 10 oz. package –
Zinc – 1.51mg, 10%
Copper - .37mg, 18.5%

Asparagus – 10 spears (med)
Zinc – .86mg, 5.6%
Copper – .30mg, 15.1%

Green Peas – 1 cup
Zinc – 1.10mg, 7.3%
Copper – .17mg, 8.3%

Alfalfa Sprouts – 1 cup
Zinc – .30 mg, 2%
Copper – .05mg, 2.6%

Swiss Chard – 5 leaves
Zinc - .86mg, 5.8%
Copper - .43mg, 21.5%

Parsley – 20 sprigs
Zinc - .21mg, 1.4%
Copper- .03mg, 1.5%

Endive – 1 head
Zinc – 4.05mg, 27%
Copper – .51 mg, 25.4%

Avocado – 1 fruit
Zinc - .92mg, 6.2%
Copper - .23mg, 11.6%

Chives – 4 tbsp.
Zinc - .07mg, .4%
Copper - .02mg, .9%

Vegetables – Endive 8:1, Parsley 7:1, Green peas 6:1, Alfalfa Sprouts 6:1, Avocado 4:1, Spinach 4:1, Chives 3.5:1, Asparagus 3:1, Swiss Chard 2:1.

Coconut Sugar - 100g (just under 8 tbsp.)
Zinc - 2mg, 12.5%
Copper - .23mg, 26%

(Grade B) Maple Syrup - 100g (just under 8 tbsp.)
Zinc - 4.2mg, 25%
Copper - .1mg, 0%

Sweeteners – Maple Syrup 42:1, Coconut Sugar 9:1.

Note: I have used my default recommendations on Cronometer, (which is set to 'LFRV/30bananasaday.com' for my 'Micro Nutrient Targets'.) Thus, the percentages above reflect a daily minimum of 16 milligrams of zinc. This is a good target for people with a zinc deficiency.


http://realfoodforlife.com/pumpkin-seeds-powerfoods-benefits/
From the above, it's apparent that eating a serving of Watermelon seeds (19.1% Daily Value), which are actually popular in other parts of the world (Eastern Asia), will do a world of good for zinc deficiencies. Pumpkin seeds (14.8%), which I also recommend, come in 3rd after hemp seeds (18.7%), and before pine nuts (12%). 

For mushrooms, Shiitake are outstanding. Yet, I found out that they must be cooked. So, for raw foodies, I recommend the Crimini, which actually have a greater daily value, just not such a great zinc/copper ratio.

You may want to (click) READ THIS.
Crimini "Button" Mushrooms - Benefits
Vegetables like Endive, Green Peas, Parsley and Alfalfa Sprouts are all good choices, as well.

http://nummynims.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/52-with-a-twist/endive/
Excellent Link.

Cool.
http://allnaturalannie.com/2011/09/parsley-breast-health/

--

Wow, I am surprised. After finding out about the excellent sources of zinc in coconut sugar -- as dehydrated coconut blossom nectar -- and maple syrup, I have two more great options towards easily and deliciously getting my zinc in! I bet you could make a wicked lemonade, too. ;)




Research:
"Calcium, magnesium and zinc - the sedative minerals.  Zinc, along with calcium and magnesium, are called sedatives because all three help inhibit excessive sympathetic nervous system activity.  They all inhibit excessive brain activity.  Zinc, in fact, is considered by some authorities to be a calming neurotransmitter in its own right."

"1. Pumpkin seeds
Not only are they extremely high in zinc, pumpkin seeds also play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds also support general immune system health. For maximum zinc-intake, the seeds can be taken raw, as roasting them can deplete zinc intake."

"The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. However, those that are zinc deficient, not eating a diet rich in zinc, or have a prostate disorder should take 15 mg of zinc daily. Because of the lower absorption of zinc from plants, vegetarians may need about 50% more zinc. Since zinc can interfere with copper absorption, any zinc supplement should contain 1 to 2 mg of copper."

"What can high-zinc foods do for you?
Help balance blood sugar
Stabilize your metabolic rate
Prevent a weakened immune system
Support an optimal sense of smell and taste"

"...if you eat a lot of grains and legumes that are high in phytic acid, you have a greater than average daily requirement for zinc, as phytic acid is known to decrease the absorption of zinc into the blood stream.
Eating too many grains, spinach, and rhubarb can increase your risk of developing a zinc deficiency. Alcohol, sugar, stress, inadequate protein intake, and taking high doses of calcium in supplement form can also lead to a zinc deficiency. 
Toxicity 
Getting too much zinc in your diet can actually weaken the strength of your immune system. Taking more than 45 mg of zinc per day can lead to a copper deficiency. 80 mg of zinc per day over the long term can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease via a decrease in blood levels of HDL. Greater than 150 mg of zinc per day can weaken your immune system. Nausea, an upset stomach, and vomitting are strong signs of zinc toxicity if you are taking a zinc supplement. For these reasons, I recommend that you stay away from zinc supplements and obtain zinc from a variety of whole, minimally processed foods."
- Dr. Ben Kim


Zinc (Zn) Content Rich Natural Raw Foods


http://www.endmemo.com/health/nutri2/Zn_nature.php


"In addition to it, zinc is also concerned with collagen synthesis. This further aids in normalizing the amount of skin oils and maintenance of a healthy skin."

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-zinc.html


"Only 20% of of the zinc present in the diet is actually absorbed by the body."
 "Dietary fibre and phytic acid found in bran, wholegrain cereals, pulses and nuts, inhibit zinc absorption." "Phytic acid forms a highly insoluble complex with zinc, which the body cannot absorb." 
"Cooking processes can reduce the adverse effects of both phytic acid and dietary fibre on zinc absorption."
  "It is further needed for cell division, and is needed by the tissue of the hair, nails, and skin to be in top form."
"It also seems as if zinc helps to control the oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin."
"There is a shortage of zinc in many people's diets, since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking."

http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/minerals/zinc.htm


"Zinc can help improve the health of your skin and hair."

So, there we are, for now. :-) Rawesome!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

To Sprout, or Not to Sprout?

Flowers - the Universe. The Earth, Clouds- the Skies... Sunrise!








  Today I'm going to talk about sprouts. Sprouts are best known as being a green addition to sandwiches, yet they can be used for almost anything, really. To top off a raw soup- or add to your salad for a little extra crunchiness- or even in raw lettuce wraps. Delicious. However, the health benefits and nature of these little 'buggers' are widely unknown, disputed/controversial.

  Being that they are mere seedlings of mature plants/they have not grown up to their fully nutritive state- I don't think they are any better then their grown-up versions. Yet, they are special in their own magical ways. 



  They are kind of like a luxury actually- I mean, can you imagine someone taking a handful of seeds back in the day to just sprout and eat? Maybe. However, in this day and age it is indeed a luxury to have seeds at your disposal in this way. That will have to change! (http://www.EqualMoney.org)

  Anyway, you can have a lot of fun growing sprouts- from watching them grow each day, to 'harvesting' them, to then enjoy crunching down on these tasty morsels as you desire. ;)

  However, before you buy any seeds, or growing supplies, there is one thing you should consider before you buy- what is best!

  The best sprouts for eating raw- are as follows, which Frederic lays out practically on his webpage, @ http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/questions/sprouts.html ...
"First, I would like to say that I generally do not recommend the consumption of bean sprouts, except very rarely and in small quantities. Bean sprouts still contain a large amount of raw starch which is very difficult to digest. They also contain a number of enzyme inhibitors which makes them very hard to digest. For more information on the subject, please see my book The Raw Secrets. The kinds of sprouts that I recommend are the green sprouts, which are seeds that have fully sprouted into a small plant. Those include: sunflower greens, alfalfa, clover, fenugreek (in small quantities), and other sprouts that have a green leaf. Those sprouts can be considered vegetables and can be combined as vegetables. You can eat them as often as you desire."
  Below, I have laid out lots of various pictures w/ regards to Sprouts. It is clear to me now that one can use virtually any seeds to grow sprouts - from cucumbers and celery, - to cabbage and romaine lettuce. It's all good! You can use any Non-GMO variety of seeds- and sprout them! I'd love to hear about it if you do. :-) I'll update ya'll when I get the opportunity to do this myself. Yum! I'm inspired to make a Raw Salad now- which will include: Sprouts, Cucumber, Lemon, Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Tomato! Sounds delicious to me! Update: I'm soaking what I've got- as 1 tbsp. Quinoa and 1 tbsp. Lentils. Heh. :-)

http://www.rawfoods-livingfoods.com/sunflower-sprouts.html
How to Grow Sunflower Sprouts from whole Sunflower Seeds

Alfalfa Blooms
http://givinghealth.blogspot.com/2012/07/theres-more-to-alfalfa-than-its.html?showComment=1357869258183#c8617346909277798446
Alfalfa Leaves
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/alfalfa-leaf.html
Alfalfa Sprouts


Alfalfa: Herbal Remedies
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/alfalfa-herbal-remedies.htm
Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli
Fenugreek
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek



Mature Fenugreek

http://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingredcloversprouts.html

Red Clover Production

 Red Clover Sprouts
Guide On How To Sprout:
http://www.noveleats.com/frugaleats/growing-sprouts/
http://healthyhomegardening.com/Plant.php?pid=1214
Red Clover; Link
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/red-clover.html
Radish Sprouts
Reddish Radishes
http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Radish

Learn & Grow; Link

The Sprout People; Rad-ish.





Radish - Botany - Link


And below, more perspective on Sprouts from Frederic Patenaude --

"• Grow your own sprouts and indoor greens, to get some super-fresh vegetables to add to salads."
and:
" Sprouts contain toxins but like Gabriel Cousens mentioned, the risks are minimal in small quantities. I’m opposed to Buckwheat greens because of a very strong toxin contained in them. Read more about it here:
http://www.gillesarbour.com/buckwheatArticle.php"

As explained in my book The Raw Secrets and other articles I've published:
- There are certain toxins in sprouts, so it's best to eat them in small quantities
- Avoid uncooked bean sprouts (except fully grown mung beans as found in Asian markets), because of enzyme inhibitors
- Avoid grain sprouts (sprouted wheat, etc.) because of raw starch
- The best sprouts to eat are sunflower greens, clover sprouts, pea shoots, etc.
Sprouts are not necessary for health. We can get all the vitamins and minerals from greens. However, if you like them you can eat them but not in large quantities.  

https://fredericpatenaude.zendesk.com/entries/130212-your-opinion-on-all-sprouts 



  That about wraps up the sprout 'business', but wait, actually there is something else.

Nutritional Info:
http://sacredsourcenutrition.com/sprouting-good-health/
  The Sprouts Business. Nothing against it- but when you can easily/inexpensively grow your own sprouts for a fraction of the price of buying sprouts grown somewhere else, why wouldn't you
  All you need are some seeds
which can be found at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage -- and a (sprouting) jar, from the store, or you can make that, too! As you can see to the right we have a Mason jar- with a cheesecloth mesh to drain the sprouts- instead of a complete lid. A rubber band will work just as well as a lid. You can also outfit a mason jar with a metal mesh, which is sturdier. I myself have a NOW jar from Vitamin Cottage/Natural Grocers that works well- except the sprouts tend to spoil before you can eat them all. Next time I try sprouting, I will try using a food grade hydrogen peroxide dilution to rinse/soak the sprouts- killing any microorganisms that cause spoilage. Probably coming from my HANDS, actually. Go figure. 
  Here's my blog about the Miracle of Hydrogen (H2O2) Peroxide: Hydrogen Peroxide as an Alternative. ~ Check it out!

  Some contraptions also have a function of tipping the jar down. This would be handy in keeping the sprouts nice and crisp without all the moisture being stagnant- which makes them soggy. I stick my jar tilted downwards in a large glass bowl, for optimal drainage.


Comprehensive Sprouting Guide:
http://sproutingseeds.go-6.com/
  When you grow them yourself- consider keeping your mason jar tilted down, and using hydrogen peroxide to rinse them. This will prevent your sprouts from stinking/going bad. Don't eat them if they stink or are wilted.

  Heads up: I believe you can also use a mesh strainer and a large bowl, instead of a jar- which would be great for keeping the seeds/sprouts aerated, after you soak/rinse them. What a concept! 

  
  When your sprouts are good to go, you can place dry sprouts in the refrigerator in a sealed baggie. They only stay fresh for so long, so eat them, asap
  & Look into Hemp sacks, too -- if your interested, They are said to work well.
Happy Sprouting, ya'll. (:

 Love
Genev}ï{eve