Most important nutrients
Conventional elements of adequate nutrition are divided in 3 groups: Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates. Most diets for health or weight loss are based on different variations of these three groups. However, the human body is more complicated than that. We are made of organic chemicals, just like topsoil or any other complex organic matter. Minerals are the building blocks of our chemistry. Specific combinations and types of these chemicals are required for sustaining life and good health. The state of chronic illness is a perpetual manifestation of a long term nutrient mis-allocation that leads to a deficiency and organ break down.
Your choice of food, stress levels, quality and frequency of physical exercise, quality of air and light significantly affect your body's delicate chemical balance. Prolonged or incorrect use of medications can cause severe side effects and keep you from complete recovery. Fortunately with recent advancements of laboratory testing it had become possible to successfully identify the depleted elements. Consult a qualified and knowledgeable nutritionist or integrative physician to assure the correct tests interpretation and to develop a protocol of highly assimilated forms of nutrients complementary to your specific goals and biochemistry.
Most important, but often deficient minerals are:
Calcium
Best food sources:
Dairy, Gelatin, Greens, Figs, Egg Yolk. Vitamin D is necessary for adequate absorption, as well as strength training exercise.
Sodium
Best food sources:
Figs, Celery, Broccoli, Olives, Greens, Sea salt.
Magnesium
Best food sources:
Leafy Greens, Blackberries, Apples, Pears, Coffee.
Iodine
Best food sources:
Sea Weed, Dulse, Artichoke, Asparagus, Dark Leafy Greens, Seafood. Vitamin A is necessary for adequate absorption.
Silicon
Best food sources:
Alfalfa and other Sprouted Seeds, Eggs.
Potassium
Best food sources:
Potato skins, Beet greens, Carrot tops, Root vegetables, Figs, Apricots, Orange.
Zinc
Best food sources:
Seafood, Pumpkin seeds.
Chromium
Best food sources:
Brewer's yeast, Oysters, Liver, Onions, Leafy greens, Cinnamon.
Selenium
Best food sources:
Brazil nuts, Seafood, Egg yolk.
Boron
Best food sources:
Leafy Greens, Pears, Apples, Raisins, Nuts.
Molybdenum
Best food sources:
Buckwheat, Sunflower Seeds, Avocado, Kale, Collards.
Manganese
Best food sources:
Seaweed, Avocado, Cacao Beans, Nuts and Seed, Egg yolks.
Vanadium
Best food sources:
Parsley, Carrots, Garlic, Cabbage, Nuts and Seeds.
Other important elements of nutrition, that are commonly deficient or unbalanced:
Amino Acids
There are 22 Amino Acids creating nearly 50,000 different proteins. 8 of these are considered “essential’, for your body can not make them and must obtain them from food sources. The rest is conveniently manufactured by the human body.
Best food sources:
Root vegetables, dairy, eggs, specific animal flesh, fruit.
Vitamin A
Best food sources:
Fruit, vegetables, animal flesh, Egg yolk.
B Vitmains
Best food sources: Egg Yolk, Fish, Miso, Nutritional Yeast, Vegetables.
Vitamin C
Best food sources:
Acerola Cherry, Pineapple, Kiwi, Tomato, Red Pepper, animal products.
Vitamin D
Best food sources:
UV Sun rays, Mushrooms, eggs.
Vitamin E
Best food sources:
Palm fruit oil, Coconut, Avocado, butter, liver.
Vitamin K
Best food sources:
Egg Yolk, Cheese, Liver, Dark Leafy Greens, Miso.
Vitamin K2
Best food sources:
Natto, Cheese.
Coenzyme Q10
Best food sources:
All heart muscle meat.
Bioflavonoids
Best food sources:
Cocoa, Red Wine, Green Tea, Onions, Chili Peppers, Citrus.
Carotenoids
Best food sources:
Palm Oil, Butter, Vegetables, Fruit.
Polyphenols
Best food sources:
Green Tea, Red Wine, Cocoa, Olive Oil.
Healthy Fats
Saturated, Limited Monounsaturated:
Olive Oil, Avocado, Coconut, Nuts, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Cocoa, Butter*, Ghee*, Animal Fat*
* these fats must come from pasture-fed and wild animals.
Fiber
Both Soluble and Insoluble fibers are important
Fruit, Root vegetables.
By Eli Katz, NC / 18.03.10