4 Smart Ways To Improve Your Nutrition

May 01 2014

4 Smart Ways To Improve Your Nutrition

There is no question that good nutrition begins at home. Whether you are cooking or baking, even the most basic ingredients that are free of toxic chemicals make all the difference between eating well and eating poorly.

Here is a list of just four essential ingredients that my family and patients have used for years. You will find that each of these ingredients is easy to use as they have a one to one conversion for cooking or baking. And, by incorporating them into your diet, you should feel good knowing that you have made a BIG step towards the improvement of your overall health!

Coconut Oil

Approximately 50% of the fatty acid content in coconut oil is a medium-chain fat called lauric acid. In our body it converts into monolaurin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, & antiparasitic properties. Capric acid, also a medium-chain fatty acid in coconut oil, converts into monocaprin, which has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties as well.

Unlike polyunsaturated fats, which easily convert into fat, coconut oil converts into energy. People who have trouble digesting fats will find that coconut oil, as compared to polyunsaturated oils, is easier to digest. Medium-chain fats are NOT found in polyunsaturated oils like corn, soy, or canola oil. These are oils to avoid! Those who are suffering from chronic infections can benefit from adding one to two tablespoons of coconut oil into their daily diet.

Coconut Oil is great for cooking because it does not easily degrade and retains its’ healthy properties when exposed to high heat. You will find that it is also a wonderful substitute for butter or any polyunsaturated oils.

Xylitol

White, refined sugar is the most commonly used sweetener today. According to the World Health Organization, over 10 million tons of sugar is consumed annually in the United States. Believe it or not, this is over 33% of the world’s sugar consumption! Excess consumption of refined sugar can inhibit the immune system, cause blood glucose swings in the body, and lead to a multitude of chronic illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and of course, tooth decay.

Xylitol is a wonderful natural sweetener that is extracted from berries, fruit, vegetables, & mushrooms. It tastes similar to refined sugar, but has many health benefits. Xylitol has a low glycemic index and is 1/3 the calories of refined sugar. Xylitol does not cause tooth decay and is safe for diabetics and hypoglycemic individuals.

Unrefined Salt

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of unrefined salt. As I discussed in last month’s blog
‘Why Salt Is GOOD For You and 5 Healthy Ways To Use It’, the human body needs & utilizes salt. Unrefined salt, with its full complement of minerals, is a better choice than refined sea salt, kosher salt and salt substitutes. Unrefined salt contains more than 80 minerals which the body needs. Refined salt, due to the processing method, has all its minerals removed and is contaminated with toxic substances like ferrocyanide.

The average-size adult may consume between ½- 1 teaspoon of unrefined salt daily. Individuals who should be cautious about increasing their salt intake include those suffering from kidney failure.

Unrefined salt typically goes through a gentle harvesting process and is packed in a seam sealed bag. Note that when you open it, the salt will be moist. Unrefined salt may be used straight out of the bag or with a grinder. More information about salt can be found in my book, Salt Your Way to Health 2nd Edition.

Aluminum Free Baking Soda

Aluminum is a highly toxic metal. According to a report in the June 2011 issue of Neuroscience Bulletin, aluminum can compete with calcium for absorption and elevated aluminum levels have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other health problems. There is no known health benefit of aluminum ingestion. It makes little sense to add aluminum to any nutritional product.

When it comes to baking soda, use a product that is aluminum-free. Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda is ideal as their product comes from the deposits of mineralized sodium in bicarbonate. It is extracted by a natural water process without the use of any harsh chemicals.