NATURE'S NUTRITION FACTS....

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor

(B.Appl.Sci: Comp Med, Clin Chiro: Masters, B.Nursing)

Nature makes no mistakes…

• Much to the shock of public perception, red capsicum & kiwi fruit contain more vitamin C then the humble orange and other citrus fruit. Be sure to eat kiwi fruit when they are still a little hard and tart, and go raw with red capsicum too.

• Interestingly, carrots are a source of calcium and sesame seeds (tahini) are high in bioavailable or easily digested calcium. To reap the benefits of such minerals, be sure to eat your carrots raw!

• Coconut naturally contains a medium chain fatty acid or fat/ oil that is in fact healthy for the cardiovascular system and may decrease ‘bad’ cholesterol & enhance immune system function.

• The sweet & juicy tomato contains an enzyme known as lycopene which may decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men. Always avoid hydroponic and non-seasonal varieties as the nutritional benefits are greatly lost when not grown in nutrient rich soil.

• Grapes naturally contain bioflavonoids (antioxidants) such as resveratrol that ultimately work towards destroying free radicals, enhancing cell function and encouraging overall health & wellbeing (specifically the heart organ).

• Mushrooms are a vegetarian’s protein super food & also contain high levels of VIT B12. There a many different varieties which make cooking with mushrooms easy and versatile.

• Great news for cocoa and chocolate lovers… Cocoa is the highest food source of magnesium on the planet.

• Spirulina, a naturally occurring algae is higher in absorbable protein, iron and vital nutients than red meat.

• The apricot pip contains a kernel which is rich in vitamin B17, a powerful substance that has been found to destroy cancer cells at a cellular level..

• Oats are rich in VIT B which acts biochemically to reduce cholesterol.

• Pineapple is rich in the enzyme bromelain which has been found to reduce inflammation & aid in digestion by neutralising stomach acids.

• Garlic contains a compound known as allicin that has been found to reduce cholesterol and which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

• The Noni fruit (juiced) is packed with over 150 naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, trace elements for health.

• According to manufacturers, chia seeds have been found to contain 15 x more magnesium than broccoli, 8 x more omega-3 than salmon, 5 x more calcium than milk, 3 x more iron than spinach, 3 x more antioxidants than blueberries and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

• Quinoa is a great source of protein, has a delightful nutty flavour and is a terrific alternative to grains such as rice and wheat that we all eat too much of.

Interesting fact:

Have you ever wondered why certain fruits and vegetables look somewhat like different body parts? According to “Ancient Roman Scripture” specific foods have benefits which corresponded to the health of specific organs.

Eg:

• A bunch of grapes is shaped like a heart. They contain bioflavonoids that are helpful in enhancing heart health.
• Walnuts are shaped like a brain. They contain important fats and nutrients which enhance brain function.
• Cashews & kidney beans shaped like the kidneys. They contain minerals and vitamins which enhance kidney health.
• Carrot/ beetroot (cut horizontally) appear similar to the eye/ iris. They contain high levels of vitamin A and betacarotene which are known to augment eye health.
• Avocados are shaped like the uterus. They contain vital fats for female reproductive health.