Are you getting enough nutrients?
Holistic Nutritionist Yondi Lee reveals the difference an organic diet can make.
Some whole-food advocates say as long as we eat wholesome foods, we'll receive sufficient nutrients. But if your diet consists of white rice, noodles, bread, biscuits, fast foods, canned food, frozen meals and takeaways, then your body isn't getting anywhere near enough the amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs. Refined and processed foods are not only low in nutrients, they're also laden with chemicals. Check the ingredients of any packaged food product and you'll notice more than half of those listed are not "real food" but are additives designed to make food taste and look better, or sit longer on the shelves. Even if you enjoy a diet of wholesome, healthy foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meat and good fats, you may still not be ingesting enough nutrients. As a result of over-farming, poor soil quality and the use of chemicals in agriculture, the foods we eat today often contain lower nutrient levels than those of the past.
Compared to conventional foods, organic foods do contain fewer harmful chemicals and organic farming is far better for the earth. Research as to whether organic foods contain higher levels of nutrients than non-organic foods has produced inconsistent results - due to variations in research designs, as well as agricultural conditions such as soil, rainfall and sunshine. But recent studies show organic fruits and vegetables could contain as much as 40 percent more antioxidants than conventional fruits and vegetables. Researchers also found differences in the amount of vitamin C and polyphenols - plant antioxidants which boost the immune system. And organic fruits and vegetables were found to have a higher mineral content. Following an organic diet can make a significant difference if you're sensitive to chemicals or are susceptible to allergies. This alone can suggest organic foods are a better choice. In addition to buying organic, take care not to overcook foods and avoid long-term refrigeration, as both these practices can decrease nutrients. Avoiding substances known to deplete nutrients, such as alcohol and the caffeine found in coffee and tea is also important.
We live in a rapidly changing world, where physical and emotional stress and exposure to pollutants, can significantly deplete the nutrients in our body. Factors which can increase your body's demand for nutrients include:
- Poor digestion - your body cannot effectively absorb nutrients.
- Injuries and inflammation in common ailments such as high cholesterol or diabetes increase the body's own repair processes.
- Medications require the liver to work harder and some even deplete nutrients such as calcium and coenzyme Q10.
- Genetics - your bio-individuality may dictate a need for specific nutrients.
- Periods of growth in children, teenagers and pregnancy. The elderly may also require more nutrients to cope with ageing processes.
Optimising your wellbeing by maximising your body's intake and absorption of nutrients not only helps with energy levels, it ensures ongoing health and vitality. Assess your body's needs and only use high-quality nutrients specific to your requirements. Aim for optimum nutrition, not just enough!
Yondi Lee, Holistic Nutritionist with Ascension Healing (www.ascensionhealing.sg) specialises in nutritional therapy for optimal wellbeing and disease treatment, management and prevention.
