Vitamin B Complex

 

What is vitamin B complex?

Vitamin B complex is composed of 8 B vitamins.

B1-(thiamine)

B2-(riboflavin)

B3-(niacin)

B5-(pantothenic acid)

B6-(pyridoxine)

B7-(biotin)

B9-(folic acid)

B12-(cobalamin)

Each of these essential vitamins contributes to your overall body function, maintaining good health.  As building blocks for a healthy body they have a direct impact on our energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.  Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and supports or promotes:

cell health

growth of red blood cells

energy levels

good eyesight

healthy brain function

good digestion

healthy appetite

proper nerve function

hormone and cholesterol production

cardiovascular health

muscle tone

A major concern for plant-based eaters is getting enough vitamin B 12.

B 12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.  Vitamin B 12 is actually a bacteria, produced by microorganisms in the soil.  Animals obtain this from consuming grasses and scratching and rooting through dirt.  It's possible to obtain some B 12 from not washing all the dirt off your fresh picked veggies but who wants to eat dirt.  According to the National Health  and Nutrition Examination Survey one in every 31 adults in the US are deficient in vitamin B 12.  

Common signs of B 12 deficiency are:

*Weakness, fatigue or low energy.

*Shortness of breath.

*Loss of appetite.

*Digestive issues.

*Frequent bruising or bleeding.

*Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

*Brain fog, memory loss, or confusion.

By eating enriched foods products such as fortified nutritional yeast, soy, cereals and meat substitutes and Nori seaweed, we can increase our uptake some.  The best way to get enough is to take a supplement.  B 12 has many forms and the most common are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin.  "Cyano" is commonly found in supplements and energy drinks, while "methyl" is a little more expensive and less stable. For both meat and plant-based eaters, 2000 mcg is the recommended weekly dose for those under 60 years of age.  When you reach that age of 60+ it needs to be bumped up to 1000mcg daily!  I supplement by taking a 1000 mcg quick dissolve chewable Cyano tablet from Trader Joe's every 3 day and an added brazil nut once a week.

They are easily found for a great price on Amazon.

If ignored a Vitamin B deficiency can effect the whole body leading to permanent brain and nerve damage.  By eating a mostly alkaline, hydrating diet full of fresh veggies, grains and fruit are intestines will stay clean and function properly.  

B Healthy

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A

Pre-formed vitamin A exists only in animal products.  What does a plant-based eater need to do?  There are about 50 carotenoids from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A, the most common being beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant which fights free radicals, especially in the brain which is mostly fat.  Studies have shown that anti-oxidants through diet helps people's immune systems protect against free radicals and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin A deficiency begins with night blindness and can progress to more serious complications.  I guess that is why our parents wanted us to eat those carrots!   Also this deficiency reduces the ability to fight off infections and why it is important in building good red blood cell formation.   Animal products like beef, lamb and goose liver are very high in Vitamin A.  The problem is Vitamin A is fat-soluble and is stored in our liver which can be toxic.  The body limits the amount of beta-carotene converted to Vitamin A and only uses what is needed.  So, if  the body has too much beta-carotene in its system and doesn't need it as A, it will store it as beta-carotene until needed.  This will help keep the liver from becoming toxic.  Plants to the rescue!  Our body needs approximately 700-900 RAE(retinol activity equivalent) each day for optimal nutrition.  

Some Plants High in Beta-carotene:

Sweet potato...1/2 cup baked...961  RAE

Pumpkin...1/2 cup canned...953 RAE

Carrots...1/2 cup boiled...665 RAE

Butternut Squash...1/2 cup baked cubes...572 RAE

Carrot juice...1/4 cup...564 RAE

Spinach...1/2 cup cooked...472 RAE

Collard greens...1/2 cup cooked...386 RAE

Broccoli... 1/2 cup boiled...120 RAE

By adding a source of healthy fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds with these foods help your body to absorb the beta-carotene.   Try blending carrot juice with full-fat coconut milk(canned) and ginger!

Have  great week.

Be kind.

WEAR YOUR MASK!

Judd

Recommended Reading 12/06/20

 

It's time for the final 2020 reading recommendations.  2020 has been quite the year, to say the least.  Please just remember all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.  Many have been through loss and suffering, but hopefully there will be healing and prosperity ahead for all of us.  

Let's get started with the obvious, the pandemic.  We all know that this outgoing administration has not been implementing the best practices to deal with this crisis.  We all need to look at the big picture and sacrifice our personal freedoms and start wearing a MASK! Stay 6 feet from each other and quit bitching about our freedoms are being taken away.

Life is Almost Back to Normal in Melbourne Australia

Denmark and Sweden Responded Differently

Health and Wellness

5 Mental Health Mantras for the Holidays

Just in time for the New Year: How To Form Healthy Habits That Stick

With the Holiday feasts coming up, besides stopping when you are 80% full, here's how to: Banish the Bloat,  

Crazy Shit

Does your poop float?

What is the purpose of this decision? Climate Denier to Pick Medal of Science Winner

Environment

Build Back Better a Climate Plan

Every Major Bank Says No to Funding Arctic Drilling

Bye Exxon!

A Step in the Right Direction for the Unsustainable Factory Farming Industry 

Have a great week

WEAR YOUR MASK

Judd

Have You Ever Heard of Sulforaphane?

 

Sulforaphane might possibly the most health-promoting antioxidant in the world.  It helps in fighting inflammation, protects your brain, detoxing your liver, prevents cancer, supports your heart health and even helps in weight loss.  But, the crazy thing is, this wonderful nutrient is NOT actually in foods! 

It is a compound that's created when you chew certain vegetables, thereby releasing components that mix in your mouth and create this life-giving antioxidant.

The richest source of compounds your body needs to produce sulforaphane is Broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is created from only raw cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower etc.

For more information on the benefits see:

Watch this first: 

Beautiful Broccoli

Sulforaphane:What is It?

Have a great week. 

Please wear your mask!

Judd

Recommended Reading

 

2020 has been quite the trying year for all of us.

Sometimes I feel like Mr.Pumpkin and I'm sure you do also.  The world is at a tipping point, where our ideas/actions have got to change for the better.  Humankind cannot continue to go down the path that we are on.  Compassion, empathy and love for one another is the only path to choose.  We need each other now more than ever before.  Only ourselves are in control of how we react and act towards others. If we  treat everyone we interact with on a daily basis kindly and with empathy, we would relieve the tension and lessen the division some in "leadership" is imparting on us.  We all just want to be loved and live a happy life.  We are all equal in the eyes of our creator,

On to my recommendations:

Environment:

You must watch Netflix's: David Attenborough A Life on Our Planet

Outrage and Optimism: podcast with Prince William 

Trail Runner Magazine: The Forests are Burning

Time Magazine: 6 Months on a Planet in Crisis: Greta Thunberg

Why Saving Nature is the Best Way to End the Pandemic Era

Wellness:

Can Eating Less Meat and Dairy Help Save Our Planet?

Casein (milk protein) is a Carcinogen: Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Center for Nutrition Studies

Most everyone is deficient in Vitamin B12, Nutritiofacts.org

The Healthiest Food Sources of B12

The Role of Meat and Dairy Viruses in Cancer

Mental Health:

How to Reclaim Time When the Day is Slipping Away

7 Practical Ways to Manage Worry

Recipes:

Minimalist Baker: 18 Dairy-Free Pasta Recipes

Crazy: 

What if a Presidential Candidate Refuses to Concede After an Election?

Hope you enjoy!

Have a great week.

Stay positive, exude love.

Judd

Fall Harvest Bowl

 

This week we have another great nutritious "Fall Bowl" recipe.

This one is inspired by "Sweetgreen", 

Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

3 Servings

Serve on a bed of  prepared wild or brown rice, (for an easy rice recipe)

Sweet Potatoes

Slice 3 small sweet potatoes (or 2 normal) into rounds

Coat with olive oil, cinnamon, and sea salt

Roast at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

'Chicken' Tofu

Cube 1/2 block of tofu

Mix together cumin, nutmeg, cayenne, and pinch of salt

Coat tofu cubes in spice mix and spoonful of cornstarch

Saute in pan with olive oil on medium heat until crispy

Balsamic Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 tbsp dijon mustard

Salt & Pepper to taste

Other Toppings

 1 apple, cubed

Toast almonds with olive oil 

Roasted cauliflower with nutritional yeast 

To assemble:

Massage kale with olive or coconut oil until softened

Add cooked rice, tofu, and sweet potatoes

Top with almonds, apple, cauliflower and balsamic dressing

Have a great week.

Wear your mask please.

VOTE!!!

Judd

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

 

It is almost Fall and root vegetables are the key to a healthy plant-based diet.  They are a great source of carbohydrates, gut friendly fiber and antioxidants.  Root vegetables contain anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals and nutrients all in the form that which we can absorb them the best. These vitamins and minerals help the body's immune system to fight inflammation, which reduces the risks of cancer and heart disease.

Here is a delicious recipe:

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

Preheat oven to 425'

Cube and dice:

2-3 Yukon Gold potatoes

1-2 Small Sweet potatoes

2 medium carrots(peeled)

In a medium pan cover veggies with cold water and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes.

While simmering prepare fresh herbs, preferably from your own garden.

Roughly chop 3-4 sage leaves, 3-4 small sprigs rosemary and leave 3-4 sprigs of thyme whole.

 Roughly chop 1/4 sweet onion and 2 cloves garlic.

In a medium cast iron skillet add 2 tbs olive oil and heat on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.  Add potatoes etc. and toss to cover with the olive oil, adding 2 -3 tbs.

Put skillet in oven baking for 25-30 minutes.

To serve on a bed of rice, try this easy Baked Rice recipe:

Bring 3 cups cold water and salt to a boil.

In a med sized baking dish add 1-1/2 cup jasmine rice.  When water is boiling, add to baking dish and cover with aluminum foil tightly. Bake at the same time in oven when 20 minutes are left on timer.

If baking separately, bake at 350' for 25 minutes(brown rice will take longer, appr. 40 minutes) let stand for 5 minutes when done. 

Enjoy!

Have a great week.

Wear your mask.

Judd