Grains and Sea Vegetables
Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra
Grains
Whole grains are
unrefined, exceedingly nutritious, and contain more vitamins, minerals, and
fiber than their lighter, whiter, and fluffier counterparts found in
commercially packaged goods. In their raw form, grains contain a seed and a
covering to protect the seed. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution
and modern processing, it became easier to remove the germ and bran layers,
making available to the general population white flours that were once
reserved only for the rich.
Unfortunately,
these discarded segments contain all the fiber and the vast majority of the
B-complex vitamins, as well as the vitamins E and A and the minerals
magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and selenium. Refined grains are
frequently laced with additives and preservatives. White flour used in white
bread and pastries contain empty calories.
Since whole grain
is unrefined and contains multiple nutrients, it is the closest thing to a
complete food—it contains not only carbohydrates, but also a balanced amount
of protein, low fats, multiple vitamins, minerals and fiber. Civilizations
all over the world have been utilizing grain for centuries as a diet staple.
Primitive cultures are also known to have the lowest prevalence rates of
cancer and heart disease.
Sea “Weeds”
Since the time of
recorded history seaweeds have been utilized by many cultures in various
portions of the world. Sea vegetables are extremely rich in vitamins,
minerals and nutrients. In fact, they contain all 56 minerals. As a group of
foods, sea vegetables contain the highest amounts of magnesium, iron, iodine
and sodium. For those individuals who have a history of congestive heart
failure or high blood pressure, it is recommended that sea vegetables be
consumed only one time per week. It is also important to soak seaweeds for
at least 1/2 hour before preparation, which will reduce the sodium content.
Seaweeds contain
extremely high amounts of calcium and phosphorous, and would be beneficial
in situations where calcium is needed in the body. They are also
approximately 25% protein and 2% fat. They are low in calories. Seaweeds are
rich in many trace elements as well. For example, they are high in beta
carotene, vitamin B-12, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5) and vitamins A, C and
E as well as the mineral selenium. Selenium, combined with vitamins A, C and
E and beta carotene, is extremely important in the overall functioning of
the heart.
In summary, many
clinical studies indicate that seaweed is one of nature's best nutritional
supplements in healing. It contains virtually all of the minerals and
vitamins that are useful in preventing free radical formation. Sea
vegetables have been utilized in treating cancer, lowering blood
cholesterol, thinning the blood, and even preventing ulcers. Sea vegetables
are known for their effect on dissolving fat deposits and eliminating heavy
metal contaminants from the body, including radiation, cadmium, and other
environmental toxins. Seaweed is one of nature's wonders!
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