Guest Post by Ben Stanford
Plants the true source of proteins and carbohydrates for energy
Plants can transform light energy from the sun into chemical energy, this stored light energy when eaten by animals or humans in the form of plants is used as fuel.
In addition to being a primary food source, plants are the true origin of proteins, carbohydrates and other complex molecules. You can consult your local naturopath for more information on what is suited for your body.
Long root foods for energy
Carrots, salsify and parsnips are just some of the root vegetables you can consume. These long root vegetables are effective energetically to the large and small intestines, bladder and the reproductive organs. These vegetables tend to gather energy in these organs especially when cooked.
When long roots are cooked, they tend to create warm and damp conditions in the lower body, their energetic properties generate downwards and inwards.
Round roots for energy
These include plants such as turnips, onions, radishes and beets as an example. They have properties of absorption and energetically effect the lower organs of the body. The more spicy varieties of ground roots such as onion when eaten raw have the ability to rapidly release tension and excess from the lower organs.
Irregular roots for energy
These would include plants such as horseradish, ginger, ginseng and echinacea. The spicy variety of these roots have a strong dispersing effect on the body and the bitter varieties have a drying purging effect.
Stems and Shoots for energy
Some plants are grown specifically for their young stems and leaf stalks, such as celery, bok choy, rhubarb, okra and asparagus. The energetic properties of these stems tends to have cooling effects on the body, especially the circulatory system
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables affect the upper part of the body, especially the lungs, heart and throat. The encourage cosmic rhythm and the breath of life, they oxygenate the human body feeding out cells to produce hemoglobin.
Leafy vegetables energetically stimulate the mental processes of our imagination, openness, creativity and spiritual awareness. All leafy greens have a tendency to balance body density and heat.
Ground level vegetables
These include a wide variety of flowering plant such as broccoli, cucumber and zucchini. Being in between leafy and root vegetables then effect the middle organs of the body such as the liver, gallbladder and spleen. They have an energetic property of a stead circulating nature.
Vitamins, Minerals and Phytonutrients
Vitamins and minerals are key to every process that takes place in your body.
Biotin
This helps your body produce energy in your cells, it also helps metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The adequate intake is 30 micrograms daily. Biotin is found in a wide variety of foods such as eggs, liver, yeast breads and cereals. Here are some examples of biotin amounts in food:
- 1 large egg — 11 micrograms of Biotin
- Peanuts (½ cup) — 5 micrograms of Biotin
- Whole grain bread (1 slice) — 2 micrograms of Biotin
Pantothenic Acid
This helps your bodies cells produce energy. It helps metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates from food.
The adequate intake of pantothenic acid is 5 milligrams daily.
Pantothenic acid is found in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, cereals, milk, vegetables and fruit. Here are some examples of biotin amounts in food:
- Yogurt fat free (1 cup) — 1.5 micrograms of Pantothenic Acid
- Milk fat free (1 cup) — 1 micrograms of Pantothenic Acid
- Egg large (1) — 0.7 micrograms of Pantothenic Acid
- Corn boiled (half cup) — 0.7 micrograms of Pantothenic Acid
You should ask yourself when you are ready for a plan for change. Divide your goals such as “I will eat better”, into smaller more specific goals such as “I will each more vegetables” or “I will eat more grains”. You can list practical steps to achieve your goals.
If one of your goals is to consume more whole grains, you can start to make french toast with wholegrain bread instead of white bread, while also eating oatmeal for breakfast. You can even try to make some tasty vegetable soup.
It is better to be patient with your goals once you know your preferred energy nutrient foods. Make gradual changes as it takes time and commitment.
Reward yourself with your encouragement towards recognition of your eating goals and patterns. Feeling good is the best reward!
Beginning his practice in 2003, Ben’s continuing studies at Physiotherapy Victoria as a chiropractor have expanded his scope to include yoga acupressure, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine and applied kinesiology.
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