Saturday, August 24, 2013

Basic Suggestions for Newbies.

  Okay so, you're a newbie, or you're reading this to critique me or see what I have to say. Either way- thanks for visiting my blog.

  Anyways- I think it's important that I lay out what some of the most important 'rules' would be whilst following- (to then lead) a High Carb, Raw, Vegan- (Fruitarian) 80/10/10 (or better yet, 90/5/5), lifestyle.

  First of all if you have no idea what I'm talking about, I am suggesting the ratios of carbohydrate/fat/protein on a raw vegan diet. This ratio is easily achieved by sticking with what's best for our bodies- copious amounts of sweet fruit, non-sweet fruit, vegetables, and leafy greens.

  If you are unfamiliar with the book 80/10/10, you can buy it at http://www.foodnsport.com/ from Dr. Doug Graham, or I can send you it for free, just e-mail me at wholisticallyhuman@gmail.com.

  Before reading this post I suggest reading, "My FIRST Real Blog". In it, there is a wealth of information and sources from/about me, which shouldn't be missed.

  Here we go!

SeeDs Of SuCCeSS : Guidelines.

1. Drink 3-4 liters of water a day.


  For most people, a 5% drop in body fluids equals a 25-30% drop in energy. Your body is made up of 75% water, and just like the planet- which is 70% H2O -- and your skin, ironically -- you need the water to.. flourish and thrive.



  Proper hydration is essential. If your body fluids dropped by even 15% -- you'd die. Dehydration manifesting as dis-ease. fatigue, digestive disorders, skin problems, bulimia, obesity, depression, foggy thinking, headaches, and even cancer are common issues -- common like soda pop & booze.

  Dehydration causes the metabolism to drop by 3%. Our brain doesn't have a signal telling us whether we're 'hungry' or 'thirsty'. When the body requires basic nutrition- that's what we scavenge for. So, it's good to eat water rich fruits and vegetables -- along with drinking lots of the water that keeps our spirits up and our bodies functioning at their best. There's no need to binge on nutritionally void foods, trying to satisfy cravings.. and you wonder why so many foods are void of nutrition these days. More product- equals more sales- equals more profits.

  Drinking more water also nourishes the skin. If we don't drink enough, the skin will be 'ignored' to secure the functioning of other vital organs- the brain and heart. Basically, your superficial appearance will suffer! This is true especially because water facilitates the absorption of micro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and builds the blood to circulate through and detoxify the body. Drinking water will effectively flush wastes and toxins out through supporting digestion and cell functions.

  Here are some more facts to show you how important hydration is!

  A six-year study published in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses.

  Drinking the equivalent of 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%.

  Drinking 2 liters of water a day decreases the risk of breast cancer by 79%.

Your Personal Calculator: 1 Liter of H2O for every 40 pounds (18 kilos or 2.85 stone) of body weight.

  Drinking water 15 minutes before a meal will also improve digestion.

  Best not to drink your water during meals, this hinders digestion efficiency.

  I just swish water around in my mouth when I'm done eating. Adding water to smoothies is fine.

  Water takes 10-15 minutes to leave the stomach.
(Watery fruits like grapes and melon take about the same time.)


  You also absorb a lot of water through your skin and it's important that this water is - fluoride-, heavy metal- and chemical-free. I use the ProPur water filtration system and I recommend it as it is the best one on the market, get it for 10% off using the code WATER here:

  http://www.infowarsshop.com/-ProPur-Water-Filtration_c_53.html.


I also use the Crystal Quest shower filter. Get it here:


2. Keep Fat on The DL.

  Yes, limit your fats. I recommend hemp seeds and chia seeds as they are low in fat and have an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and Omega(-3)'s. If you choose to consume nuts, I would do so only on rare occasions, a couple small palm-fulls at a time. Nut butters should be limited to two tablespoons, 2 times a week, if at all. Avocados should be limited to 1 half per day. One overt fat a day, if at all, is the limit for good health, and for women it is suggested to eat at least 1 avocado a week, for femininity alone. ;)

  Lipids, as fats, take 24 hours to leave the bloodstream, and it's best to keep the blood-sugar levels low for many 'reasons', or consequences that occur when one eats too much fat - wherein sugar from carbohydrates is not allowed to enter the cells efficiently, raising the blood sugar.

  In my experience, I've had acne break-outs, lethargy, and stomach problems from eating too much fat from nuts/seeds/avocados. To me it's just not worth it to compromise my health, especially since problems like to express through my skin -- and effects my 'beauty' which has dramatic effects on my mind-state and life 'experience'. It's funny -- after having such high-energy while eating lots of bananas and other fruits -- after I had been literally *bouncing* up the stairs, as a consequence of eating some nuts, my legs felt weighted down. I was now 'drudging' up the stairs. It can seem so normal to feel this way, too- unless you can also remember how good it feels to be properly fueled -- with carbohydrate-rich SUGARY fruits!

  It is recommended by Dr. Doug Graham to not eat more than 10g of overt fats a day to keep the blood sugar regulated- this is the same as half of an avocado. To calculate how much fat you are eating in grams visit http://www.cronometer.com/ and create an account. You can type in any food you like and read the micronutrient amounts in grams for any food. Other reasons to not eat fat include having a period, and again, acne. Whenever I eat too much fat these two symptoms of detoxification show up. Please read my blog post about Menstruating by visiting the link provided below:

https://www.empowernetwork.com/genevieveparry/blog/mens-true-hate/


3. Don't be afraid of eating a lot of fruit.

  Don't be afraid of calories piling up like bananas when eating enough fruit to satisfy your body. Calories In = Accessible Energy Output. The more fruit you eat the better you will feel, and the more 'oomph' you will have to do what you love. Try every fruit you possibly can. Don't judge yourself, be ashamed, or condemn your fruity ways. Even if you are eating Tamarind, or what I call 'poo-fruit'. Lol. Accept yourself, and accept the fruit- with love, as with all other things in life. Don't take it personal when people are quick to judge- their reactions are useless- unless they were cre-hated to abuse you (also futile/useless)- which you should not accept or allow within yourself and others in/as this world. Be forgiving of yourself when allowing fear to control your life and your expression, however vunerable you feel. It's all really how you see it. Or how you don't. Breathe.
"If you are comfortable with being vulnerable, you will attract love."

- Deepak Chopra
http://quipsnquibbles.blogspot.com/2011/05/vulnerable.html

  Be thankful. Enjoy the delicious fruits that nature gives freely.

  If you aren't eating enough, you will start to crave, and eventually eat- less then optimal, 'calorie sources'.

  When you have eaten enough your cravings will be easier to handle, and eventually, will become non-existent. Feed your cells! Get enough protein by eating enough fruit and vegetables and make sure to read my post about protein as well. It may take a long time to lose weight as perceived by you, but be patient, it will be well worth the effort. Do your body good!

4. Take care of your Choppers!

  Looking around the net you may have seen some pictures, or even stories, about people with rotted teeth coming from a fruitarian diet. What's sad about this is- they blame fruit sugar. Now everyone considering a fruit based diet is afraid their teeth will rot out! The truth is fruits do not cause cavities, poor dental-hygiene does. (Fruit polishes your teeth gently with it's fluffy sweet fiber. :))



  In the last couple months, I noticed myself getting some light brown discolorations on my teeth- and I was starting to think I needed to brush my teeth more. But I didn't because I felt like I was brushing my teeth enough. I was actually dreading the task of brushing because it took so long (around 20 minutes for me). Now think- if you were brushing your teeth for around 40 minutes everyday, would you want to brush them MORE? No, of course not.

  So, I had been in this battle with myself about brushing my teeth. Thinking that I was doing the right thing by brushing so much- but then finding that my tooth health was not optimal even after continuing this grueling practice daily.

  As I was finished with the last section of this blog (above), I knew that I should do a section on dental hygiene because so many people are confused and fearful to start a fruitarian diet for this reason. Yet, I felt uncomfortable giving anyone else advice with my own teeth being discolored.

  But as soon as you know it, I stumbled upon a video by Kristina Carillo-Bucaram- and I remembered why 'perfectly' clean teeth become discolored in the first place. It's because when you brush too much- there are bacterium that leave their mark as discoloration, basically, they shit on your teeth. So- the problem was that I was brushing too much. Thank heavens!

  So, how should we really take care of our teeth on a fruitarian diet? It's no problem, actually.

  Check out the following videos and you will be well on your way to loving your healthy smile!


  I stopped the practice of brushing my teeth so roughly, after learning this will scrub off the enamel on your teeth.

  Now, I simply brush my teeth lightly in all the spots without becoming obsessive of making every nook and cranny 'squeaky clean'. I use Eco-Dent Whitening Tooth-Powder, Eco-Dent Floss, and a Terra-Dent toothbrush. I also have found the banana peel whitening method to work well. It's good to minimize your brushing time. My teeth feel very clean and I haven't brushed them for a full day. Also, avoid eating nuts/seeds, and dried fruits too often because these will stick to your teeth and cause cavities to develop.



5. Get Enough Sleep!


  Before electricity, people used candles, and before candles people were guided by the stars at night. It takes much more time then has elapsed since the first flames were lit for our biochemistry to evolve. Thus, we are accustomed, biologically, to winding down at night to then rest while the sun is down. Health, beauty and vitality are all boosted when we get a good nights sleep- and it is recommended that you sleep as much as you need to repair and rejuvenate for a new day. Many people sleep/rest for 12 hours a night. Make sure to go to sleep with the sun as to not be awakened early when it rises! Take naps, too, if necessary.


"Sleep is the best meditation." - His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

6. Keep it Fresh and Alive. Go Outside, Workout!

Source: http://astheyare.net/2013/04/08/virgin-islands-national-park-lameshur-bay-trail/

  In the future I plan on writing a blog about why I don't believe in calorie restricting as a part of a holistic natural lifestyle. For now, I'll state the obvious. Exercise and diet tie into eachother. Food is fuel for ease of energetic movement, and pleasure in what you do. So why not eat to your hearts content? That just means you'll have more energy to burn! You have an internal gauge to tell you what you need when you're hungry, and scientifically speaking you need about 5g of carbohydrates per pound of body weight a day. For a 200 lb. man, that's 1000g of carbs, or 32 bananas/7 cups of rice a day!


  You have to exercise in this physical world to maintain health and vigor. We want to be active! So, go outside and get fit, move your body and enjoy it- figure out what you like and what you're willing to do to burn fat and gain muscle tone, and do it... but only if you truly enjoy doing it. Be careful. If you injure yourself in the process you may have strayed from your body's wishes to perhaps not do what you were doing. Be honest with yourself, or suffer the consequences. I actually injured my knee by exercising too much when I didn't enjoy doing it, (I wasn't eating enough, either), and it was all in vain, I gained the weight back!

Source: http://arcticglass.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html
  It's so important to keep in contact with the outdoors because it's our true home, where we belong. We gather energy and life force from the earth, the water, the green-scapes- and skies. When cut-off from our natural environment, we even lose a sense of creativity that is integral to our problem solving skills.

"Interacting with nature has real, measurable benefits to creative problem-solving," says University of Utah psychology professor David Strayer. "Natural environments are associated with gentle, soft fascination, allowing the executive attentional system to replenish." 

  Mother earth cares for us all. Enjoy what life has to offer, feel good!

7. Eat Enough Carbs!


 I don't care if you're a raw, or cooked 100% low-fat, low-protein, high-carber (because these two are the best), just make sure you are eating enough calories and carbohydrates to satisfy your body's needs. I recommend high-glycemic fruits like bananas, persimmons and dates for the bulk of your calories- along with plenty of water-rich fruits, protien-rich vegetables and leafy greens, including cooked foods such as rice, organic gluten-free pasta, and potatoes/sweet potatoes/yams where needed. If you restrict yourself you will binge later, because naturally if you create a deficit, you will create a debt which must be paid sooner or later. Chow down, chicka.


   Enjoy your life, eat as much healthy food as you feel like eating, don't be superficial- in fact, eliminate those ways of thinking- love yourself here and now, don't be afraid of what other people think- we're all equal and anyone who makes you feel bad is not better then you. Still, you are only 'better than them' if you are willing to love, accept and stand up for yourself, and within that you will be supporting all to unconditionally express themselves with love, as well.

  Eat when you are sad, eat when you are depressed- eat when your boyfriend breaks up with you! Just eat what your body can actually use- what Mother Nature provides herself in the garden and in the orchards. Eat after you exercise, too, this helps top up your glycogen stores after your sweat-session and builds muscle!

8. Buy a Blender!


  A lot of the time when my bananas don't taste so good I throw them in my Vitamix blender and make a smoothie. This makes it easier to obtain the benefit from them without having to take the time and effort to eat them whole.

I love my banana smoothies, they taste amazing!

It took me quite a while (from new years 2012 until spring 2013) to get my Vitamix, and I was eating everything whole.

I really didn't enjoy eating all those bananas because- frankly, they made me want to vomit. You don't exactly get the cream of the crop in Colorado.

 What was also a drag was having to chop everything, which took too long, and gave me sore finger joints. Now I can chop anything in a flash, for salsas, sauces, soups and dips. I recommend the Vitamix 300 instead of the 7500 (which I own), because I don't use any of the extra features on it, and the stainless steel look doesn't hold up well even after a couple months.

Although the Vitamix IS the best blender on the market, it's best to always have a blender on hand, so get yourself a cheap one if necessary.

9. Choose Organic!


  Organic sources of fruits and vegetables are much better for our bodies then conventional. This is because conventional practices use pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides which are poisonous chemicals, polluting our planet, and our bodies. They also stunt a plants full nutritional potential and hinder taste.

  I would avoid conventional produce as much as possible because the substances sprayed on fruits and vegetables can make you very sick. Organic produce tastes better and has more nutrition- so you spend less and gain more in the end. You are also avoiding GMO's when you buy organic produce because genetically modified organisms are not allowed in products with organic certification.



 
Source: http://gmoinside.org/gmos-animal-products/


In conclusion, I'd like to share with you this video I found- from two guys at the Woodstock Fruit Festival.


Hope you enjoyed! Comments and questions below this post.
Thanks for reading, take care!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Truth About Omega's

  For a long time I was unsure about Omega-3 and Omega-6, and frankly, I knew next to nothing about them. All I knew was that they were 'essential fatty acids', or EFA's- and that I needed to be eating them in the 'right' ratio for a healthy fat intake.

  However, I wasn't given any real instruction into why exactly I needed them- or what they did for me- not even told what I required as a minimum.

  Now, after reading a section of the book The 80/10/10 Diet by Dr. Doug Graham, which I highly recommend, I am now well informed of what is actually essential and what is marketing.

  I had for some time been consuming 'nuts' and/(as) seeds for these beneficial nutrients. Believing in the products' packaging, which implied they were the best sources for EFA's and essential for my health- I ate these almost everyday in their specified serving sizes.

  I stopped eating these, however, when I realized that every time I ate them they caused me to break-out in acne. Now I know it has to do with the composition of seeds. Highly indigestible/unusable, the body gets rid of these fatty and compact seed proteins through the skin.

  After seeing Tarah Shannon, as gorgeous as she is, talking about why she stopped eating nuts/seeds/coconut- to clear her acne- I was inspired to stop consuming them and see if this would work for me, too.



  I still have my hemp, chia, and coconut stocked away- so I'll give them a go on another day, perhaps. Sometimes people who are allergic to foods- after they 'clean house', and heal- can again include these foods when becoming regular to the 80/10/10 diet. Knowing how good it feels living on simple, mouthwatering, fruits and vegetables, it won't matter either way. ;)

So- the question is, am I getting enough EFA's without seeds, and can you? 

Yes, thankfully, I can safely say that I am, and you can, too!

  By simply following the 80/10/10  guidelines and eating a diet with sufficient calories from fruits, additional leafy greens, and fruit-vegetables- I get more then 1.1g of ALA and LA (Omega-3, and 6) - the daily amount required for proper bodily functions. Usually, I eat around 2,500 calories, so my EFA intake is higher, naturally. 1.1 Is the minimum recommend daily value, whereas 1.6g is the maximum, so keep the cal's up to be safe. And I'm not saying you can't eat foods that put you over your EFA limits- or even under on some days- just sayin', throughout the year, this guideline from the U.S. Institute of Medicine- should be your aim.

  Surprisingly, the lower limit of 1.1g is also the ratio that should be followed and is easily achieved on a frugivorous diet, with an equal proportion of Omega-3's to Omega-6's, 1 per 1 (1:1). The same composition of fatty acids in the brain!

  So you can take my word for it, or you can believe your SAD doctor who says to eat more fat to balance out the effects of the overabundant supply of Omega-6's in the SAD diet. In reality though, you should be cutting out both the diet and the doctor who go against your drive to learn how to, and eventually live healthfully, which means low-fat, not extra.

Below are some sources of EFA's that I'm familiar with...

Note: Nuts and seeds should be used sparingly. Some people can handle nuts and seeds, and some cannot. So, my recommendation is to first eat only fruits and vegetables, and then after you've created a super healthy environment within you- try adding in seeds and 'nuts'. In nature, seeds are only available for a short time period anyway, and thus aren't feasible to be included as a staple of a human diet- which thrives on daily fruit intake- not dehydrated, concentrated, fattening, unfresh, and in some cases, moldy- nuts and seeds. Avocados are a good one to limit aswell because they are also high in fat and strictly seasonal in nature.

Omega 3 : 6 Ratios

1 Medium Banana -- 0.03 : 0.05 - 10 Bananas -- 0.32 : 0.54 


1 Medium Apple -- 0.02 : 0.08 - 5 Apples -- 0.8 : 0.39
1 Medium Mango -- 0.17 : 0.06 - 5 Mangoes -- 0.86 : 0.32
1 Large Peach -- <0.01 : 0.15 - 15 Peaches -- 0.05 : 2.21

1 Kiwi -- 0.03 : 0.17 - 25 Kiwis -- 0.72 : 4.24
1 Watermelon -- 0 : 2.26
1 Honeydew -- 0.33 : 0.26


1 Cantaloupe -- 0.25 : 0.19


1 Papaya -- 0.37 : 0.09 


1 Pineapple -- 0.15 : 0.21
1 Pint Strawberries - 0.23 : 0.32
 
16 oz. Cherries -- 0.12 : 0.12
 16 oz. Blackberries -- 0.43 : 0.84
16 oz. Raspberries -- 0.57 : 1.13
16 oz. Blueberries -- 0.26 : 0.40 
 
1 Medium Orange -- 0.01 : 0.03 - 15 Oranges -- 0.19 : 0.50
 1 Medium Tomato -- <0.01 : 0.15 - 5 Tomatoes -- 0.03 : 0.73
1 Head Romaine Lettuce -- 0.71 : 0.29
15 Stalks Celery -- 0 : 0.76
1 Avocado -- 0.29 : 4.80**
1 1/2 tsp. Chia Seed -- 0.64 : 0.2*
3 tbsp. Hemp Seed  -- 7.5 : 3.0*


* These are serving suggestions as labeled! I recommend not eating this amount everyday, more like every week, spread out, if that.

**It's best to eat only a half of an avocado per day maximum, any more and your body won't be absorbing glucose from your bloodstream because the excessive amount of fat in the blood suspends the sugars assimilation, and every cell thrives on simple sugars.

  When consumed, these essential Polyunsaturated fats, as ALA (Omega 3) and LA (Omega 6), contribute to the healthy functioning of the skin, blood, and heartbeat, as well as the development and growth of our bodies.

  Mix it up! Don't eat too much or too little of anything- and research, check http://www.cronometer.com if you're not sure about something. Ask yourself these questions before you consume. "What's Seasonal?, What's Optimal?, What's Appropriate?, and What's Responsible?" S.O.A.R.! :D

  Remember to check out the book by Dr. Doug Graham called The 80/10/10 Diet. You'll want the tangible version most likely. If you can't afford it though, contact me via my e-mail: wholisticallyhuman@gmail.com.

Take Good Care of Your Self! I'll write you later. ;)

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/

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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!