Proteins
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.
Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached to one another in long chains. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to make a protein. The sequence of amino acids determines each protein’s unique 3-dimensional structure and its specific function.
Proteins can be described as building blocks of the body, but they do much more than this. They help in metabolism by providing structural support and by acting as enzymes, carriers, or hormones. The quality of protein in the diet can be a major determinant of the health and functionality of these molecules in the body.
Where To Get Your Proteins
• Complete Proteins: These contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for the human diet.
→ Animal-based sources: Meat & Fish, Eggs, Dairy products.
• Incomplete Proteins: These lack one or more of the essential amino acids.
→ Plant-based sources: Most vegetables, beans, peas, grains, nuts, and seeds.
Lipids
Lipids play several crucial roles in the body, ranging from providing energy to forming the structural components of cell membranes.
Fatty Acids: These are the building blocks of many types of lipids and are composed of long hydrocarbon chains ending in a carboxyl group. They can be:
• Saturated Fatty Acids: No double bonds between carbon atoms (from animal products).
• Unsaturated Fatty Acids: One or more double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain. These can be further divided into:
• Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs): One double bond (e.g., olive oil, avocados).
• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): More than one double bond (e.g., fish oil, flaxseeds).
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that play several vital roles in the body. Here are the primary functions of carbohydrates:
• Energy Supply
• Energy Storage
• Regulation of Blood Glucose
• Etc.
Carbohydrates come in many forms, from grains and corn to fruits and vegetables. However, not all carbs are created equal, and some may be better for you than others. If you’re looking to improve your diet, it may be beneficial to eliminate starchier cooked carbs, such as grains and beans, and opt for raw options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products such as milk and cream.
Allergies & Intolerances
While many foods present problematic issues, such as dairy and gluten-containing grains, others contain harmful toxins like pesticides and herbicides. Both gluten and herbicides can cause damage to the gut and brain linings, with gluten accounting for only a small percentage of this damage.
Dairy allergies, in particular, stem from pasteurization – a process that heats milk, making it more difficult to digest.
Nevertheless, raw, unheated dairy is hailed as a healing food. Furthermore, temporary food intolerances can be due to insufficient levels of cofactor nutrients needed for absorption, such as sodium and potassium.
The good news is that many allergies and intolerances are reversible, provided they stem from healthy foods. Overall, being mindful of the foods we consume and their impact on our bodies is key to maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Minerals
We all want to stay healthy and maintain the proper balance of nutrients in our bodies. When it comes to minerals, it’s generally better to get them from food rather than taking supplements. Along with other beneficial compounds found in whole foods, minerals can be more easily absorbed by our bodies when consumed through a healthy diet.
However, there are some exceptions. Broad-spectrum mineral supplements often don’t contain enough of certain minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, and iodine.
In those cases, standalone supplements may be needed, and it’s important to have a proper assessment done in order to determine the right amounts of each mineral for your individual body. So, let’s explore how to get the right minerals in the right amounts to maintain optimum health.
Raw
The way we prepare our food has a great impact on its nutritional value. Raw foods are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Heat destroys many nutrients and enzymes that help us digest our food. Considering the importance of enzymes in digestion, it is no surprise that consuming raw foods can be beneficial for our health.
When it comes to dairy, it is particularly important to consume it in its raw form. Heat can transform what is usually a healing food into one of the most allergenic. In addition, vegetable juicing is another great way to consume raw foods and to absorb nutrients quickly.
Removing the fiber leads to faster uptake in much larger quantities than we can digest with the fiber. By incorporating more raw foods into our diets, we can take meaningful steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
