Today’s farming methods have caused the demineralization of our soil. These methods have stripped our soil of its natural minerals, which causes the vegetables grown in that soil to lack in nutrients that older generations once had.
• 2 cups sesame seed pulp, saved from making sesame milk
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely shredded
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon dill
• 1 teaspoon mustard seed powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons lovage
• ¼ cup nut mayo
Place two cups of sesame seed pulp that was saved from making sesame milk in a bowl. Chop and shred the bell peppers, carrots, onions, parsley and dill then add to the bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix well with the nut mayo. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Enjoy this refreshing salad or stuff it in a tomato or pepper.
Dried lovage leaves can be used year-round. Common uses for this herb in the culinary world are in soups, salads and stews.
Some people think in order get minerals in their diet they have to take a pill. A supplement is just what its name implies, which is to supplement or compensate the lack of minerals in our diets.
When a good, healthy, nutritional diet is consumed, little supplementation is needed. A pill is not to replace those vitamins and minerals that you can get from eating vegetables and fruits.
Minerals come from the soil
Yes, you can still get your minerals from vegetables. The amount of minerals that are in vegetables depend on the quality of soil they were grown in. This is why it is best to know your farmers and how they have treated their soil so you can get the highest nutrition in your food.
While vitamins are essential to carrying out functions of a normal healthy body, minerals are the building blocks for the cells of the body. Science has shown that there is a link between mineral deficiency and some diseases in the human body.
Naturopathic and certified nutritionist Dr. Craig Summers says in his book, Raw Food Bible, that the thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly. If that iodine is missing then a goiter can appear. If the iodine is added back into the diet then the goiter will disappear.
Some of the best ways to get minerals in my opinion is from organic fruits and vegetables. An even better source would be from sea vegetables such as seaweed and Irish moss. Irish moss is extremely high in antioxidants, minerals and other nutrients. It is grown in the Atlantic and has many trace minerals including iodine, calcium, iron and magnesium.
It is really important to remember to consume your dark leafy greens, such as kale, as they also contain high amounts of minerals. Natural unrefined sea salt contains a variety of trace minerals. My personal favorite is the pink Himalayan salt.
What your body needs
There are two major types of minerals the body needs. First are the essential minerals which include oxygen, calcium and magnesium. Second are the trace minerals which include iron, zinc, selenium and potassium.
Signs of selenium deficiency include cataracts, calcium deposits in the tissues, elevated cholesterol and increased susceptibility to cancer. A natural source of selenium comes from Brazil nuts. If wheat is grown in selenium rich soil than wheat germ is also a good source of selenium. Dr. Summers eats a handful of Brazil nuts every day for his selenium intake.
There are many sources of iron such as dried apricots, most dark green leafy vegetables and sesame seeds. In fact, an ounce of sesame seeds has almost three times the amount of iron as an ounce of beef liver.
Pumpkin seeds, dried watermelon seeds and cocoa powder are all good sources of zinc. Avocados, dried herbs including parsley, basil and dill, pistachio nuts, pumpkin seeds and bananas are all good sources of potassium.
Calcium can be found in collard greens, broccoli, almonds and rhubarb. Foods that are rich in magnesium include artichokes, dried figs, almonds, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.
The most important thing to remember about minerals is to make sure that you are consuming a wide color variety of fruits and vegetables. To get a larger intake of your vegetables try juicing or drink green smoothies.
For more information about Summer Bear Life Balance Education or Nadhirrah go to http://www.summerbear.org/.