Sometimes we are to busy worrying about calories and macro nutrients such as carbs and fat, we don’t think to place as much importance on the inherent need of micronutrients. We have all heard of micro nutrients, they are the minerals that make up our body structure. Minerals are drawn from the soil into the foods we eat, so the quality of your soil is hugely important. Is the soil your food was grown in drenched in chemicals such as pesticides fungicides and herbicides? Was it fertilized with human faeces- as is the practice in parts of Asia. Both terribly unfavourable scenarios for your health.
Food needs to be grown in soil that is soft and full of organic matter- free from chemical poisoning.
If you are not eating organic or growing your own, then chances are- you’re not getting adequate minerals. Add that to gastro intestinal inflammation from gluten intolerance, crohn’s disease leaky gut and an array of common malabsorption conditions which further inhibits absorption of nutrients, and you may have yourself a pathway straight into deficiency. Phytic Acid from some food groups you eat will also inhibit absorption of your minerals- particularly Zinc Iron and Calcium. Phytic Acid is found on legumes grains and to a lesser extent seeds and nuts. Known as an “anti-nutrient” Phytic acid is the reason a Nutritionist will advise you to soak your nuts and seeds.
Lets shine a little light on the importance of Zinc
In the human body, there are more than 300 different enzymes that require zinc to function normally. Researchers believe that 3,000 proteins out of the approximately 100,000 in the body consist predominantly of zinc.
Quick facts:
The benefits of zinc are longer than my brief list here extends- alopecia, cognitive function, DNA synthesis, bone loss night blindness, Zinc really is the forgotten soldier of your longevity.
The best way to absorb your nutrients is with whole foods- generally not supplements. Supplements are great to alternate for therapeutic and optimal health, and i do recommend using supplements for those reasons, however the day to day basis of obtaining a combination of a well balanced diet should be left up to the alternation of your food choices. Buying Broccoli this week- may it Brussel sprouts next week- the extra few minutes of thought taken now add up in the end.
Foods containing Zinc
A Recipe with a twist- of Zinc.
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Method:
Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until as smooth or as chunky as you like. Adjust flavours by adding more salt garlic etc. Snack on pesto with sliced capsicum, raw flax crackers- and of course- spiralizers your zucchini and dollop your zucchini pasta with pumpkin seed pesto. Add some diced tomatoes and viola! A mean or a snack done! Pesto will keep in your fridge for about 5- no more than 7 days.
Kylie McCarthy is registered with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Provider number 27189.
Rebates are covered by Private Health Funds
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