Silvie+Maryl - Holistic Living, Plant-Based Diet, Recipes, Love & Relationship, Healthy LifestyleTips » Minerals

Cheers to Holiday Hydration

Silvie and Maryl — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:58:23 +0000

It’s easy to remember to stay hydrated in the summer – the temperature reminds you that you’re thirsty and need water – while in the winter, water is the last thing on our minds. But as we turn on the heaters to keep us warm, we start to get dry skin and chapped lips and we don’t know why. We’re in serious need of hydration.

True hydration takes place when the water that you drink can actually get through your cells’ membranes and into the cell itself. This is a tricky process that depends on electrochemical charges, and while we won’t bore you with the details (though this biochemistry stuff is catnip for us), suffice it to say that you are going to need more than a bottle of water to get and stay hydrated. Most bottled water nowadays is too acidic to even do its job, and it won’t actually hydrate your cells – it will just pass through your system and be quickly eliminated.

So, how will you get real hydration this heater-obsessed winter? With our supercharged, mineral-rich, alkaline, super drink: The Vibrant Verde.

We designed The Vibrant Verde with ingredients specifically intended to hydrate your cells and help restore the health of that dry skin and those chapped lips. Move over, chap stick – The Vibrant Verde will get you mistletoe ready from the inside out. Loving your cells is part of loving yourself!

Mineral Profile: Sulfur

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:01:31 +0000

Since sulfur deficiency does not cause any “visible” problems, you don’t hear much about this interesting nonmetallic element. But in my cellular nutritional world, this sexy macro-mineral pretty much had me at “for brains and beauty.” Sulfur represents about 0.25% of our total body weight, (kind of like potassium) and in Ayurveda, it’s the pitta element of fire. This beautifying food is a highly detoxing warrior, and in conjunction with phosphorous and manganese, it substantially affects the brain. I’m falling in love with sulfur because it:

✻ Is important to cellular respiration, as it is needed in the oxidation-reduction reactions that help the cell utilize oxygen for brain function and cell activity.
✻ Is the most critical element in the body’s detoxification process. Toxic substances bind to sulfur in order to be transported out of the body.
✻ Is a communicative magnet for thought and action. Aligns and integrates thoughts and emotions with soul expression.
✻ Is necessary for the formation of collagen, the protein found in connective tissue in the body. Also scavenges free radicals and has the ability of escaping oxygen-based damage.
✻ Helps with stress, asthma, arthritis, inflammation, and constipation.
✻ Decreases acidity in the stomach and builds up the immune system.
✻ Is essential for the formation of hair, nails, and skin (sulfur needs vitamin C to activate it).

For some people, eating too much of sulfur foods can cause some gas. You may want to combine sulfur foods with sea veggies or foods high in good fats, like nuts or seeds. This will aid in balancing the sulfur in the system. Potassium and sodium tend to balance sulfur. Signs of sulfur excess may include intense emotions, depression, slowness, irritability, moodiness, cravings of chocolate, sweets, and beer.

According to Dr. Gabriel Cousins, sulfur deficiency emotions include excess pride and sensitivity, weakened will power, a mind that works faster than one can verbalize, as well as an emotional cycle that goes from depression in the morning to happiness in the evening and a tendency for a rage followed by remorse.

Sources: High sulfur foods include legumes, chlorella, spirulina, arugula, cauliflower, horseradish, watercress. Other great sources include onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, avocados, bee pollen, black currants, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cucumber, peas, pumpkin seeds, radishes, soybeans, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, mustard greens, chard, kelp, turnips, raspberries.

NOTE: there is a difference in the sulfur we get from foods and that of sulfur waters or drugs. We only recommend the food version.

An Electrical Perspective on Food

Silvie Celiz — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:01:35 +0000

Say good-bye to calories because the new key word when it comes to nutrition is ELECTRICITY. We are electrical beings, conductors of energy, and if we want to change the way we eat, we need to start by changing the way we see food with relation to our bodies. Our brain, our nerve center, tells our entire body what to do through electrical impulses. It uses electricity to communicate through our nervous system, controlling a whole bunch of functions like movement, digestion, and the production of substances that keep us balanced, basically dictating the processing speed of our human computer. Energy, electricity, electromagnetism – this is what keeps us alive. To what degree we have these factors is what defines our health – or lack of it.

Based largely on what we eat, our brain generates chemicals that then generate electrical signals so that communication can take place from neuron to neuron. This is how our brain tells the rest of our body what to do. Low electrical current can result when we don’t produce crucial enzymes or hormones, reducing brain capacity drastically, and resulting not just in low energy (tiredness) but in disease. Talk about an electrical malfunction.

The point of eating is to provide our bodies with a a variety of balanced nutrients that allow us to generate and run a good amount of electrical current. There are foods that are better energy conductors than others, and this is the concept we want to focus on. Different kinds of foods can be the difference between trying to run a current from a metal or a rope. One will work. The other will fail miserably.

Solution: Eat more “positive” foods that contain highly organized, crystallized and structured MINERALS. Positive (alkaline) mineral elements allow us to run high electrical activity in our cells. These positive foods are good conductors of electromagnetic energy. We can find them in fruits and vegetables that contain largely and mostly positive mineral elements and very little starch, protein, and sugar. Examples include dark green leaves like kale, spinach, and dandelion.

We cannot conduct electricity over “ropes” made of starchy or protein matter. It’s through the highly mineralized “metallic” foods like vegetables that we can run electrical charges throughout our bodies. We need to minimize foods like wheat, which have large amounts of negative food elements such like starch, dextrin, sugar, fat and protein. Negative food elements are poor conductors for electromagnetic energies.

Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian of omnivore, start thinking “electricity,” modify your proportions, and let your biggest meal portions be those empowering, nourishing, revitalizing, and sexy positive food elements.

Mineral Profile: Calcium

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:28:11 +0000

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It works with phosphorous to build and maintain bones, and with magnesium for cardiovascular health and skeletal strength. It is also important for the flow of electrical energy in the system and in helping to transport nutrients into the cell. Calcium even plays a role in weight control, will power, and digestive health.

One of the biggest calcium myths is that cow’s milk is the best source to get this amazing essential mineral, and that this means milk is good for our bones. Not true.

Some people even think that cow’s milk is a synonym for calcium and health, especially during human development. It is actually quite the opposite. Like Dr. T. Colin Campbell says, cow’s milk is the best food…for calves. For humans, this is definitely not the case. Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine collected data that showed women 50 years and older having a 70% percent bone fracture rate, attributed to the consumption of animal protein.

Cow’s milk is LOADED with protein. Unlike protein that comes from a plant source, animal protein increases the acid load in the body. Too much of this results in a condition called metabolic acidosis, by which our blood and tissues become more acidic. Calcium, being a highly alkaline mineral, is then pulled from our bones in order to neutralize the acid in our systems and maintain our pH balance (and keep us alive). As you can see through this process, cow’s milk actually works against strong bones. Fortunately, plant foods work for them.

What else does calcium do for us?

Calcium is essential for the heart, walking, solidity, movement, mental activities, helping blood clot, lowering blood pressure, preventing muscle cramping, maintaining nerve health, controlling anxiety and depression, insuring quality sleep, and deterring colon cancer and osteoporosis. It is necessary for production of vitamin B12 and uses vitamin D for absorption. Calcium also plays a key role during pregnancy, in the growth of the fetus. This mineral helps heal wounds, scars, and repair cartilage. Calcium ions influence in nerve and cell membranes and the release of neurotransmitters. A calcium deficiency may cause mental confusion, softening of the bones, and tooth decay.

Heart Health Factoid - Did you know that calcium stimulates contraction of heart muscle, while magnesium supports the relaxation phase? (Sodium and potassium are also key elements in generating electrical impulses here.)

Calcium levels in the body affect weight control. Several studies have shown a direct relationship: Women with the lowest calcium levels weigh the most, probably because high levels of calcium increase fat burning, while low levels increase fat storage in the body. Of course, if we have low levels of calcium, what will our body do to try and compensate? Leach it from our bones.

Sources - The highest quality and most abundant sources of calcium are in the Plant Kingdom. High-calcium foods include dark leafy greens, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, most nuts (almonds, brazil nut), soybeans, grains, and sea greens. Other calcium-rich foods include broccoli, tofu, molasses (blackstrap), grapefruit, alfalfa sprouts, figs, cauliflower, peas and adzuki beans. These are all excellent sources that will not throw your pH balance off, will be readily absorbed by your body, and will help maintain your bones strong and your skeletal structure in great health. Now, how much plant-based calcium are you providing with your daily meals?

HFood: Walnuts

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:01:38 +0000

The language of the Universe is symbols. Nature’s design is so perfect that the shape and form of produce from the Plant Kingdom acts like a big sign and indicates what a particular item is good for. In this case, it is obvious that since the walnut looks like a human brain, its purpose is to support this organ. Let’s get to know this amazing nut a bit deeper.

History: Called ‘Junglans Regia’ by the Romans, walnuts date back to 7000 B.C. English Walnuts were brought into the United States from ancient Persia in the early 1800s by Franciscan monks, who settled along the California coast. But way before that, there was mention of walnut trees growing in ancient Babylon at around 2000 B.C. The Greeks, and Romans also cultivated Persian walnut trees, which are what today we call English Walnuts. Once already in California, the English walnuts were distributed under the name ‘Mission Walnuts’ because the first trees planted were those grown in Catholic missions. Nowadays, central California produces 99% of the total U.S. Commercial walnut supplies of English walnuts.

Description: Walnuts come inside a hard and round-looking shell. Once opened, they look like a caramel-colored human brain. There is a thin layer of light brownish skin, and the flesh is white (yellow flesh is a sign of rancidity). Organic walnuts have darker brown shells. You can purchase walnuts in their shells or out of their shells, as halves. Although the English walnut is the most popular type in the United States, there are other varieties, such as the Black walnut (Junglas nigra), and the White or ‘butternut’ walnut, (Junglas cinerea). Black walnuts have a stronger flavor and thicker shells, while white walnuts are sweeter and oilier.

Nutritional info: Walnuts are an amazing brain food. They contain the highest amount of omega-3 fats compared to any other nut. This is important for us because the membranes of all of our cells, including our brain cells or neurons, are primarily composed of fats. Anything that wants to get into or out of a cell must pass through the cell’s outer membrane. Omega-3 fats make this process much more smooth and easy, helping the cell to bring in nutrients while getting rid of wastes. Besides being the best electrical conduct for optimal neuron-to-neuron communication, omega-3 essential fatty acids help lower triglycerides, reduce plaque formation, and lower state of depression by boosting our mood level. This alpha linolenic acid also promotes bone health by helping prevent excessive bone loss. Here are other benefits of this star nut:

✻ Walnuts for weight management: Eating about 4 to 6 walnuts before meals decreases levels of hunger while providing essential nourishment, say experts at Loma Linda University.

✻ Walnuts are loaded with minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, and potassium. Manganese alone is essential for growth, reproduction, and the proper metabolism of sugars, insulin, and cholesterol.

✻ They help in lowering the risk of cancer and prevent/reduce cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

✻ Support a good nights sleep through melatonin content in bio-available form. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, in charge or inducing or regulating sleep. A published study by the University of Texas has shown between 2.5 to 4.5 ng/gram amounts of melatonin present in walnuts (in bio-available form) while also demonstrating that eating walnuts triples blood levels of melatonin and increases antioxidant activity.

✻ The Nurses’ Health Study shows that women who eat at least one ounce of nuts per week have a 25% lower risk of developing gallstones.

✻ Walnuts reduce risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis and lower LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. This is all due to walnuts’ high ALA (omega-3 fat) content.

✻ They help prevent and control high blood pressure, improve cardiovascular and artery function and all around heart health.

✻ More walnut benefits include better cognitive function, anti-inflammatory effect, immunity support and anti-cancer properties. They also contain around 16 antioxidant phenols, vitamin E, both ellagic and gallic acid, protein (especially tryptophan) and fiber.

✻ One ounce of walnuts (one quarter cup or 12-14 walnuts) provides 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 2.5 omega-3 fatty acids.

Application: You can go very simple or get creative when it comes to walnuts. They are a great add to just about any dish – or just as a snack all by themselves. Chop them up real fine, and they are the perfect garnish for a salad. Add them to a smoothie, vegan muffins, and rawnolas for breakfast. Make a delicious and nutty milk as well as a raw pie crust. Add them to vegan-raw pesto, raw snacks, vegetable sautés, and favorite noodle dishes. Make vegan stuffing for holidays or make a beautiful walnut paté.

Mineral Profile: Silicon

Silvie Celiz — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:00:43 +0000

Known as “the beauty element”, Silicon might not be as popular as mineral celebrities like Calcium and Iron but it is essential for your health. Silicon is a micromineral found in nature as silica, the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust. It is also commonly found in rock crystals like quartz and flint and in sand as Silicon dioxide (SiO2), an active form of silicon used to make glass. In our physical bodies, silicon is present in bone, blood vessels, cartilage, and tendons, assisting them in durability and strength. This beauty element also provides sheen, resilience and smoothness to our skin, hair and nails.

From a holistic perspective, elements provide so much more than what we can see with our own eyes. Because everything is energy, we can also feel what adequate amounts of minerals (as well as thoughts and foods we choose to eat) provide for us. For example, in the case of silicon, it doesn’t just provide beautiful skin and shiny hair, it gives us a sort of grace, charming, and charismatic personality. Silicon is thought to radiate or transmit energy when its in the form of a crystalline structure as a quartz crystal. If we were to think of our selves as a human crystal, it would make sense that this element would also enhance our energy flow and positively lead our internal communications at a molecular, electrical, and ethereal level.

Silicon is important to bone formation, and it is found active in areas of calcification. It is also a very important mineral for connective tissue, ligaments, lungs, lymph nodes, muscles, and teeth. It affects flexibility, and elasticity. An essential mineral for neurological transmission in the form of electrical impulses through the neurons, silicon acts as a link between the nervous system and the blood system. More benefits of silicon:

❉ Promotes firmness and strength in tissues (it is part of the arteries, tendons, skin, connective tissue and eyes).

❉ It may aid in detoxification with its ability to deeply penetrate the tissues and help to clear stored toxins.

❉ Works with calcium to help restore bones. Also, along with iodine and sodium it controls calcium in the system.

❉ It may be one of our anti-aging nutrients, as it helps to maintain elasticity of the skin.

❉ Scientists at the University of Mons-Hainaut in Belgium have found that silicon is an essential component in bioactive glasses or materials used as bone substitutes upon which new bone can grow in humans with serious bone injury.

❉ Silicon is thought to help heal fractures and it may have a role in the treatment of osteoporosis.

❉ Good support for gymnastics, dancing, yoga and martial arts by enhancing flexibility and elasticity.

❉ A powerful mineral to aid in emotional management by supporting neurological functions.

❉ Scientists at King’s College and St. Thomas’ hospital in London, England in collaboration with scientists from Harvard and Tufts Universities in the United States reported that there is a “significant positive association” between the density of bone and silicon intake in men and in pre-menopausal women.

Some indications of silicon deficiency include being sensitive to emotions, bug bites, noise, and loud conversations, having a rigid attitude, bleeding, a desire for tobacco and drugs. Silicon deficiency could contribute to diseases associated with aging, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Neurosis and schizophrenia may be related to a lack of silicon. According to USDA.gov, low dietary silicon decreases the bone and blood concentrations of substances that stimulate cells to form joint and bone cartilage and initiate bone calcification in experimental animals. Low dietary silicon also has been shown by the GFHNRC to increase the excretion of products resulting from collagen and bone breakdown and loss, which are used as markers of osteoporosis risk.

Silicon is easily lost in food processing (most refined carbohydrates don’t have much at all) and if the soil is depleted (which is the case with conventional produce), it could affect the plant structure. The good news is that this mineral is widely available in the vegetable kingdom, particularly in organic crops. It is found in the fiber of plants (not cellulose) and in high amounts in alfalfa and in herbs such as horsetail, comfrey, and nettles. Silicon is also found in high amounts in unprocessed whole foods such as bamboo shoots, oats, kelp, and rice polish. Foods rich in silicon include cucumbers, especially the skin of the cucumber, avocados, strawberries, onions, dandelions, dark leafy greens, the skin of bell peppers, horsetail grass, marjoram, nettles, New Zealand spinach, nopal cactus, radish, romaine lettuce, skin of tomatoes, and bamboo sap. These are also high in silicon: nuts, seeds, whole grains, flax seeds, sunflower and sesame seed. Silicon is also present in apples, apricot, celery, cauliflower, cherries, figs, millet, nectarines, raisins, pumpkin, pomegranate, brown rice, watermelon and whole wheat.

Mineral Profile: Potassium

Silvie Celiz — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:00:42 +0000

Yes, we have all heard of the macro-mineral potassium, but do you know why it’s extremely important for the human body? Where to begin…Two words: cellular and electrical. Potassium had me at electrical (and, if it could speak, it would have had me at “hello”). After all, we are organic, electrical beings. Potassium carries a tiny electrical change, is the primary positive ion found in cells (intracellular), and is one of the main blood minerals called electrolytes. We can already see why potassium is very important for cellular and electrical functions. As an excellent communicator, it transmits electrical signals between cells and nerves and regulates the water balance and the acid-base (alkaline) balance in the blood and tissues.

Like most minerals potassium has a buddy mineral with which it works closely together. In this case, the friend is the macro-mineral sodium, also an electrolyte heavyweight and primary positive ion found in the blood and body fluids. Potassium helps remove sodium out of the body. It acts like a natural diuretic, as sodium will take water out with it. This mineral dynamic duo works together like an osmotic pump (sodium-potassium pump), moving hydrogen and oxygen molecules in and out of the cell. Like two complimentary team workers, potassium works on the inside of the cell (intracellular fluid), while sodium works on the outside of the cell (extracellular fluid). If this process is working harmoniously it will have a positive effect in creating energy and aiding in chemical cellular reactions. If there is an imbalance of either of the minerals, the cell’s electricity suffers, and its permeability and ability to absorb nutrients and excrete waste materials becomes limited. This sodium-potassium pump, when working well, creates an electrical potential gradient that positively affects our nerve impulses, regulating our heart beat, muscle contraction, and blood pressure. More potassium health benefits:

✻ Helps with pituitary function and aids in the treatment of depression.
✻ Plays a huge role in muscle contraction and enhances muscle performance.
✻ Protects the heart against hypertension and stroke.
✻ Stimulates all types of fluid, lymph and detox channels.
✻ Potassium alkalinizes intracellular fluid.
✻ Important for energy metabolism, nerve impulses (rapid firing of nerves) and brain performance.
✻ Keeps the heart healthy by generating muscle contraction and regulating the heartbeat.
✻ Functions in carbohydrate metabolism, converts glucose to glycogen to be used for energy.
✻ Potassium has a high affinity with oxygen, thereby increasing tissue oxygenation and oxygenating the brain for clear thinking.

Maintaining consistent levels of potassium in the blood and cells is vital to body function and overall optimum health. Many factors cause a potassium deficiency, including stress, hypoglycemia, diarrhea, acute anxiety, depression, poor diet (processed foods, excesses cooked foods), gastrointestinal problems and long-term use of laxatives, aspirin, digitalis and cortisone. Contributors to low potassium in the blood include alcohol, coffee (and other caffeinated drinks), sugar, and diuretic drugs. Some psychological, emotional and behavioral signs of potassium deficiency include: depression, fears of loneliness and death, troubled sleep, excessive hunger, loss of motivation, and hyper sensitivity to touch. Deficiencies in potassium may contribute to heart disease, chronic fatigue, deceased adrenal and pituitary function, and poor concentration. Foods to avoid because they lower potassium amounts in our body include processed foods, boxed wheat cereals with fortified minerals (phytic acid), meat, and cheese.

The GREAT NEWS is that YOU have the ultimate choice to shift to potassium-rich foods that are low in sodium. As far as sodium goes, remember there is a difference between table salt and sea salt (refer to our Minerals: Frequencies of Light article Part 1). You can get plenty of potassium on a diet high in whole and unprocessed vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Potassium has a 90% absorption rate and is absorbed in the small intestine. Since it is one of the most soluble minerals, (meaning that it will be easily lost in cooking) focus on eating raw foods in order to replenish potassium in the body. Foods rich in potassium include leafy green vegetables such as spinach, parsley, mustard greens, and lettuce, and also broccoli, peas, lima beans, seeds, nuts, sun-dried black olives, dulse, kelp, and tomatoes. All bitter greens, especially watercress, are extremely rich in potassium. Fruits: kiwis, bananas, oranges, avocados, raisins, and apricots. Spices include coriander, cumin, basil, parsley, ginger, hot peppers, dill, tarragon, paprika and turmeric.

Antioxidants: The Fountain of Youth

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:01:55 +0000

Antioxidants are a group of unique vitamins and minerals, some manufactured by our body and found in a variety of foods (especially abundant in the Plant Kingdom) that are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage from free radicals. Tufts University researchers found that antioxidants can rejuvenate an aging immune system, while other studies suggest their prevention and even reversal of age-related memory loss and mental problems, and they have even been found to aid those suffering from ADHD. In charge of maintaining a healthy balance in our body, antioxidants work in synergy with one another, providing us with a strong defense network against degenerative diseases like heart disease, skin cancer, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules with unpaired number of electrons. They are produced by natural functions like the process of making energy in the body. This process called biological oxidation happens by moving electrons from one oxygen molecule to the next; when one electron escapes, it is classified as a free radical.

Free radicals play a role in both life and death. At low levels, some act as switches, turning genes on and off. They perform critical functions from controlling the blood flow through our arteries to fighting infection and keeping our brains sharp and in focus. Some free radicals can even kill cancer cells. But just like the flip of a switch, some of these signaling molecules can turn on us and create degeneration, and irreparable damage. Without an ample amount of antioxidants in the body, these “free” electrons can create a variety of diseases like stroke and heart attack, promote premature aging, and even increase the likelihood of cancer. Overproduction of free radicals in a specific area causes inflammation, which can lead to arthritis. In order to combat these free radicals, there must be a substantial supply of antioxidants in the body. Maintaining the right balance between antioxidants and free radicals is key for optimal health.

The Antioxidant Network
The antioxidant network is an amazing structure with various players on whom your life depends on (you’ll see why in a bit). Antioxidants disarm free radicals by engulfing them (like Pac-Man), which allows the radical to join the antioxidant’s molecular structure. The antioxidant then becomes a weak free radical, which doesn’t really cause any harm. Then, it is up to other antioxidants in the network to restore the former antioxidant turned weak free radical into its glorious antioxidant state again. In this way, free radicals are neutralized, and antioxidants recycle each other back to their original state. Antioxidants are said to be our own personal physicians, as they are the ones responsible for making sure our cells are healthy. When a cell is not healthy, the antioxidant network’s job is to detect this anomaly, and send a signal to our genes on what to do (if the cell should continue living, or if it should die). Just so you get an idea of how important this is: The number of oxidative hits to DNA per human cell is 10,000 a day. Multiply that times 50 trillion cells in your body. Now do you begin to see why you need to eat fruits and veggies every day? Since you are as healthy as your cells are, it is literally up to antioxidants – which you get by eating from the Plant Kingdom – to keep you alive. The following are the top stars of the antioxidant network:

❉ Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant not produced by the body, but obtained through food or supplements. It regenerates vitamin E and works with it to prevent oxidation of lipoproteins that can lead to heart disease. It is essential in keeping immune function strong, may have antiviral and antibacterial properties, preventing and reducing the common cold. Also necessary for the production of collagen, which holds the body together and is critical for wound healing and arthritis. This vitamin has been documented to decrease bronchitis, tonsillitis, and other common throat and lung ailments. Foods rich in vitamin C include: Red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cherries, strawberries, kiwis, jicama, tomatoes, cantaloupe, potato and kale.

❉ Vitamin E is fat-soluble and must also be obtained through food and supplements. It travels through the body in molecules called lipoproteins and protects them from oxidation. Oxidation of lipoproteins can lead to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Keeps your brain cells from aging as well as your skin youthful by protecting it against UV, ozone radiation damage. It relieves symptoms of arthritis, and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s. This vitamin is also recycled by lipoic acid and Coenzyme Q10 and has a unique ability to be the only one who can move through the fatty parts of a cell membrane. Foods rich in vitamin E include: Almonds, Sunflower seeds, olives, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, blueberries, avocado and whole grains.

❉ Lipoic Acid, the most versatile of all, is the only one who can regenerate the entire antioxidant defense network. It protects against stroke, heart disease, and cataracts, and it strengthens memory and prevents brain aging. This antioxidant reverses mushroom poisoning of the liver, which is usually incurable, and suppresses bad genes. Lipoic acid can boost levels of glutathione. Our bodies produce lipoic acid in small quantities. Foods rich in lipoic acid are green plants like spinach, broccoli, and dark leaf vegetables like collard greens.

❉ Co Q10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an effective treatment for heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. It is also synthesized in most human tissues. This fat-soluble antioxidant, present in all cell membranes, rejuvenates brain cells and may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Works very closely with vitamin E. Foods that contain Co Q10 are: soy beans, sesame seeds, pistachio nuts, cauliflower, broccoli, and strawberries.

❉ Glutathione is manufactured by the body and keeping high levels of it prevents premature aging. This primary water-soluble antioxidant recycles vitamin C and it’s involved in the storage and transport of amino acids. Glutathione is crucial for a strong immune system and the detoxification of drugs, pollutants and healthy liver function. Foods that boosts the levels of glutathione in our bodies are: avocados, asparagus, kale and also foods rich in sulfur containing amino acids like dark leafy vegetables, onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli and cauliflower.

Network Boosters
Phytochemicals are potent plant-based chemicals, and most are classified as antioxidants. Most enhance the effectiveness of the star antioxidants.

❉ Flavanoids are antioxidant compounds found in the pigments of plants. They interact with the network by regenerating vitamin C. The strongest are pycnogenol and ginkgo biloba. Flavanoids promote good circulation, contain anti-inflammatory effects, protect against heart disease, treat impotence, slow down aging, and act as brain boosters.

❉ Carotenoids are natural pigments, of which 60 are found in fruits and vegetables with bright colors. Some of them are converted into vitamin A, which plays a role in healthy skin and the ability to protect against skin cancer. Some, like lutein, can decrease risks of cataracts. Beta-carotene mixed with others can boost immune function and lycopene lowers rate of prostate cancer.

Source: The Antioxidant Miracle: Put lipoic acid, picnogenol, and vitamins E and C to work for you. Packer Lab

Mineral Profile: Magnesium

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:01:37 +0000

Magnesium is an intracellular nutrient and metabolic electrolyte. It’s a very important essential macro-mineral, not only the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, but also involved in several hundred enzymatic reactions, with cardiovascular functions being one of them. Known as the “relaxer” mineral, magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, involved in more the 300 biochemical reactions in the body such as energy production, synthesis of essential molecules, cell signaling and ion transport across cell membranes. This anti-stress mineral is the central component in the “blood” of the plant world just like iron is to our own human blood, because the central atom of the chlorophyll structure is magnesium. I’m in love with it already – aren’t you? Some highlights:

✴ Magnesium is needed for heart, muscle and digestive system function. It has a very positive effect on the mucus membranes, nerves in general, and excretory and secretory nerves specifically.

✴ It is alkalizing for the body (raises pH levels), as it neutralizes acids in the system.

✴ Cools the brain and nervous system, has a calming effect on nerves, which improves flexibility in muscles, nerves, joints and ligaments.

✴ Magnesium has been known to lessen menstrual cramps, irritability, fatigue, depression, and water retention (in combination with calcium and Vitamin B6).

✴ More than 80% of the population is magnesium deficient. Depression, adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, fatigue, anorexia, difficulty with menses, insomnia, muscle tremors, twitching, hyperactive nervous system, scatter and erratic personality are all signs of magnesium deficiency. Studies found that a decreased quantity of magnesium is found in the heart and blood of heart attack victims.

✴ Magnesium deficiency increases with the use of alcohol and caffeine, excess of sugar, use of birth control pills and diuretics.

✴ Stress increases the excretion of magnesium and this depletion will make the heart more sensitive to electrical abnormalities, which may lead to heart problems.

✴ The brain has very high concentrations of magnesium. This element is extremely important for the efficient function and production of neurotransmitters.

✴ Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer, relaxing skeletal muscles and blood vessels. While calcium contracts muscles, magnesium relaxes them.

✴ It activates cell growth, improves tissue elasticity, and relaxes the nervous system.

✴ The Pituitary gland (known as the master gland) uses it to regulate adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid function.

✴ Magnesium activates metabolic enzymes important for protein and carbohydrates, and it is needed in DNA synthesis and function.

✴ Modulates electrical potential of cell membranes, which allows nutrients to pass back and forth through the cell.

✴ Transports a key phosphate molecule to ATP (an energy source), which releases energy.

✴ Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose (sugar) levels. Low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia) are frequently seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

✴ Evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency may be an additional risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This may be due to the fact that magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium.

✴ Magnesium is thought to prevent excitotoxicity because of its ability to sit at the entrance (like a little club bouncer/cellular bodyguard) to nerve cell calcium channels and help prevent over stimulation of the cells due to calcium flooding.

✴ In the body, magnesium works closely with calcium, Vitamin D, and phosphorous.

✴ Certain emotions such as hate, jealousy, resentment, bitterness, hostility and greed tend to create a magnesium deficiency.

✴ 85% of magnesium is lost with the refining and processing of foods (milling of flours). Soaking and boiling foods can also leach magnesium into the water. When boiling produce, be sure to use the water as a broth/soup, as you will have a batch of minerals in the remaining water.

Sources of magnesium: The best way to obtain magnesium is through unprocessed whole foods from the vegetable kingdom. Magnesium is a core component of chlorophyll and makes it a very important mineral for plant photosynthesis. Chlorophyll gives plants their green pigmentation. Dark green algaes and leafs such as chlorella and spinach are great sources of magnesium because of their high chlorophyll content. Foods high in magnesium are frequently high in potassium and dietary fiber as well. Most nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews), seeds and legumes contain high amounts of magnesium. Other high magnesium foods include apples, organic soy, apricots, avocados, beet tops, berries, black walnuts, Brazil nuts, cabbage, coconuts, comfrey leaves, figs, dulse (red algae), dark green leafs (kale, chard, collard), walnuts, and watercress. Also, whole grains such as millet and brown rice.

Remember to look at minerals and nutrients in general as the amazing and loyal employees of your personal enterprise, all working synergistically as a team to make your human machine (physical body) thrive. Minerals work in concert with other nutrients, which is why it is crucial to get them from whole food sources, where they are paired with their “buddy” nutrients – other minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients that help in absorption and activation of the mineral. It is never one thing that solves or creates problems, it’s a combination of many. We are mind, body, spirit and must address our imbalances on all levels – holistically.

Additional sources: Spiritual Nutrition by Gabriel Cousens, M.D., Staying Healthy with Nutrition by Elson Hass, M.D., Oregon State University, NIH (National Institutes of Health).

Almond and Brazil Nut Milk

Silvie Celiz — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:00:34 +0000

Nut Milk by HLife Photography

At some point in history a distorted idea came about: the concept of cow’s milk for human consumption. It’s a very silly thing to observe that the human species is the only mammal that drinks another mammal’s milk. Why? Ignorance, media brainwashing, billion dollar industry, because your parents told you and their parents told them., etc… Here at Silvie+Maryl, we encourage and empower individuals to question and research the what, when, why, how, and where of things, especially when it comes down to two very important questions: Does my body need this? and What does my body – or do my cells – actually need?

The confusion of drinking acid-promoting cow’s milk is still around due to the heavy misleading information from the milk industry, stating that people need cow’s milk for bone health. But the truth is that cow’s milk has too much protein for the human body (have you seen cow’s bones?) and it actually leaches calcium out of our bones. Our blood is very alkaline and it needs to stay that way. When the body ingests too much protein, it acidifies the blood therefore needing to leach the alkaline mineral calcium out of our bones in order to balance the acid in our blood and maintain the slightly alkaline pH of blood. You heard it, cow’s milk actually increases your risk of osteoporosis (all of this is not new – Dr. T Colin Campbell, nutrition expert, discusses this in our interview with him, as well as all of the issues with cow’s milk in his best-selling book, The China Study). Also, milk is usually pasteurized in order to kill bacteria, but this process also kills the enzymes that help breakdown the gigantic amount of protein in the substance. The human body doesn’t need the amount of protein cow’s milk contains. Are we calves? No. Do we need to build massive cow bones? NO. You like milk? The replacement and solution to the distortion is right here: NUT MILK. Nut milks are super easy and quick to make; they are also high in minerals, good fats and enough digestible protein for a human’s body not to get acidified by an excess of protein but to get the nourishment and healthy amount of amino acids it needs. Want more calcium? Eat your dark greens, hijiki, broccoli and sesame seeds. And now, we’d like to welcome you to liquid mineral heaven:

Prep: Soak the nuts in separate bowls for 4 hours. Rinse with filtered water and put them in a blender. Add the water and blend at high speed for about 2 minutes. Over a large mixing bowl set your nut milk bag or cheese cloth and pour the blender mixture slowly. Once it is all poured into the nut milk bag or cloth, squeeze the rest of the liquid out with your hand (this is the real milking process, right in your kitchen). Rinse your blender with filtered water and pour the nut milk back into it. Add other ingredients, blend and serve. If you want chocolate milk add 1 teaspoon of organic raw cacao powder. (I don’t even want to tell you what cow’s chocolate milk is made of…nasty.)

Nut milk usually keeps for about 3 days, forcing you to drink it fresh (as it should be). When I buy bottled water, it’s usually in a glass bottle; I keep the bottles and when I have leftover nut milk I pour it into the large glass bottles and it goes in the fridge. Always give it a shake before you drink it.

Also, when I make fresh nut milk in the morning, I usually don’t add any ingredients to it because I use it for my morning ultimate smoothie. But if I’m going to have it in the fridge for a period of three days, I do add the lecithin in order to keep it fresh and not coagulated. Usually, I don’t add any natural sweetener because it tastes so great on its own that I don’t think it needs any, and that’s why I say it’s optional. Experiment in your kitchen and come up with the perfect nut milk recipe for you and your family. Creativity and finding the right balance of tastes that suit you best are part of meal-making.

Note: I usually soak my nuts the day before, rinse them and store them in glass jars for the next morning. When I wake up, I make fresh, tasty and nutritious nut milk super quickly.

Nutritional Info: For this milk, we used two nuts: almonds and Brazil nuts. This combination is what I like to call “mineral heaven”. For us, there is always a nutritional reason for pairing certain foods. Almonds are the only alkaline nut, extremely high in manganese (aids in calcium absorption) and heart disease-reducing Vitamin E. Almonds are also rich in magnesium, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It also contains the important electrolyte mineral potassium, involved in nerve transmission, maintaining normal blood pressure and proper heart function. Almond is antioxidant heaven, providing the body with about 20 potent antioxidant flavonoids to keep you young and glowing. It is also a monounsaturated fat, which the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders suggest helps you lose weight. Brazil nuts are outrageously loaded with the immune-boosting mineral selenium, which most diets lack. The vital antioxidant glutathione is only made by the body and its synthesis depends on how much selenium is available. According to the National Institutes of Health: “selenium deficiency may contribute to development of a form of heart disease, hypothyroidism, and a weakened immune system.” Selenium has been known to be crucial for fertility in both men and women and is also needed for thyroid function. A powerful detoxifier, selenium removes heavy metals and has protective effects against aging and disease. Besides containing other essential minerals, Brazil nuts are also extremely high in amino acids.

Food Recycling: Save the nut meat after you squeezed the bejesus out of it, and come up with a veggie mix combo to make raw patties/burgers, like we did with the Raw Yam Nut Burger. Then put them in the dehydrator for a few hours, and voila!! You got tasty, healthy and protein-packed nutty burgers!