Paleo Diet Primal Chromium Levels Mineral Supplement deficiency overdose-min

How are your Chromium Levels?

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Chromium is an important mineral that you've probably not paid much attention to, but with its links to glucose – it’s crucial.

What Does Chromium Do?

The main use within your body is to help metabolise fats and carbohydrates in the digestive system. It boosts fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are vital for healthy brain function. Chromium is also involved in the metabolism of insulin, and scientists have found links between low levels of chromium in the blood and type 2 diabetes. Low levels of chromium are also associated with several factors for cardiovascular disease.

People with chromium deficiency have limited glucose tolerance, and you often find it in people with type 2 diabetes. This is particularly common in older people or infants with protein-calorie malfunction. Supplements can help to manage these conditions, but they are not a substitute for other forms of treatment.

Fortunately, it is difficult to overdose in chromium due to the low absorption and high excretion rates.

Paleo Diet Primal Chromium Levels Mineral Supplement deficiency overdose-min

Food Sources of Chromium

Out of all the different sources of chromium, the best is undoubtedly brewer’s yeast. However, foods made from yeast, such as vegemite and marmite, are very processed – and not exactly Paleo!

Many meats are also good sources of chromium, particularly chicken and beef, as well as eggs. Liver also has high concentrations – another reason to get more offal into your diet!

Certain fruit and vegetables are also high in chromium. These include:

  • Green capsicum (bell peppers)
  • Black peppers
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Grapes
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach

In general, foods that have high concentrations of simple sugars, such as sucrose and fructose, are usually low in chromium.

Problems with Chromium Intake

As low chromium levels link to diabetes, it is important for any diabetics following the paleo diet to ensure they have a sufficiently high intake. If you are concerned about your chromium intake, you can improve the absorption rate on the body by consuming vitamin C and vitamin B3 (niacin). High consumption of simple sugars will increase the excretion rate from the body – so it’s great that a Paleo diet is naturally low in sugars.

Infection, exercise and stress can all reduce levels of chromium in the body and potentially lead to deficiency. When this happens, the body is unable to use glucose efficiently to meet all its energy requirements and more glucose is required.

Have you ever had your blood levels tested?

Is your bed bad for your health mattress paleo natural-min

Is Your Bed Bad For Your Health?

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Sometimes the simple things that we use in our everyday routine are things that we don’t think twice about – but can be very dangerous. Even more frustrating, when you follow an otherwise health Paleo lifestyle. Have you ever given any thought to the mattress that’s beneath you as you sleep each night?

Mattresses are often made with ployurethane foam (petroleum based material that emits formaldehyde), formalize (which is linked to asthma and lung cancer), and boric acid (roach killer). Formaldehyde is highly toxic and classified as a probable carcinogen. If you have a mattress like this, when you go to bed at night, you are lying in these chemicals. Mattress companies often claim that they have the best mattress – and they mainly focus on comfort. You will see several commercials advertising that their mattress will adjust to your back and help you get a better night sleep, but they never really mention just how clean and non toxic their mattress is, do they?

In 2005 a memory foam mattress was sent in to be inspected and the lab was able to find 61 different chemicals used in the mattress. Comfort doesn’t mean anything if you are lying in a pile of dangerous chemicals.

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What are some of the things that these harmful chemicals can cause?

It has been reported that a toxic mattress can cause respiratory problems, reproductive toxicity, allergies, asthma, SIDS, and many more complications. It’s scary to think that going to bed could be a dangerous activity!

Why would companies add these chemicals? They add them because they are flame retardants. In the 60’s, governments insisted that mattresses had to include flame retardants – and they had to pass flammability tests. It wasn’t such a huge problem when they first passed the law, but now companies are using more and more dangerous chemicals. Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist stated “Instead of adding new fire retardant chemicals that may ultimately be shown to cause health problems, we should be asking whether we need to use these chemicals or if there are other ways to achieve equivalent fire safety.”

The mattresses that are being made today, especially some of the popular memory foam mattresses are considered to be more dangerous than the ones that were made within the past 50 years.

So what can you do about you mattress?

There are some companies that make organic natural mattresses. Before purchasing a mattress you want to triple check what exactly is in it. Some companies claim that they have a natural organic mattress – but are not willing to back it up. Companies have slowly started to realise the dangers that their mattresses are causing and are changing the chemicals that they are putting in mattresses – but this is not happening fast enough.

You are far better off getting a safe organic mattress. There are companies that sell mattresses that are completely natural and toxin free. Organic wool has natural fire resistant properties and it has been successfully used to pass flammability tests.
When you lie down to sleep at night the last thing you need to worry about is if it is safe or not. Night time is when you need to relax both mentally and physically. Don’t let your mattress ruin your health!

What type of mattress do you sleep on? Will you buy an organic mattress when you replace yours?

Paleo Diet Primal Are You Eating GMO's genetically modified organisms Monsanto Australia-min

Are You Eating GMO’s?

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What are GMO products?

They are foods that are made from genetically modified organisms, specifically genetically modified (GMO) crops. It first began in 1994 when a tomato was produced with an alteration that prevented it from ripening quickly.

What are the concerns with altering the natural growing process?

The first concern is not just what it necessarily does to your body, but what it can do to the entire crop that is being altered. If one of the plants is effected by a virus, then modifying the plant can spread the disease to the rest of crops. On a large scale this could be devastating not only for the farmer who is harvesting the crops, but it can be devastating on a larger scale.

Another genetic alteration that chemists and farmers make, is to change their crop so that it will stand conventional herbicides and pesticides.
Paleo Diet Primal Are You Eating GMO's genetically modified organisms Monsanto Australia-min
Some countries have raised their awareness of the harmful alterations that have been made to crops that they have banned it. New Zealand doesn’t allow the production of GMO crops. In 2005 Switzerland banned GMO crops and animals, however the ban only lasted 5 years. Australia has not yet banned GMO crops. Countries that have embraced GMO crops are the United States, China, South Africa, Britain, Spain, and Canada. Not only have they embraced the concept of altered foods but they seem to have tried to get the public to support it and see that it is healthy.

An area of big concern is the lax labelling laws in some countries – it’s very probable that you could unwittingly eat GMO’s, where the law does not require them to be labeled as such. Worrying, don’t you think?

What should you do?

The best thing you can do is make sure you pay attention to what you are buying. Read labels, shop at farmers markets. Get to know the farmer who grew your produce. You can even grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Marketing companies are sneaky. Don’t let them convince you that you are purchasing good quality foods that went through a potentially dangerous growing process.

Are GMO foods allowed where you are? I’d love to hear your views on GMO’s, in the comments, below.

Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid Paleo Diet Primal Supplement Deficiency-min

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) & the Paleo Diet

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Do you sometimes suffer from stress? Yes? Then there’s already one reason for you to take note of Vitamin B5 – also known as Pantothenic Acid – that can improve your ability to respond to stressful situations by supporting the adrenal glands. But that’s not all – Vitamin B5 also supports the processes that turn carbohydrates and fats into energy in your body, together with other B-complex vitamins, and helps in the optimal maintenance of fat.

Now, a Vitamin B5 deficiency is not very common, especially when following a natural Paleo diet,  but it’s still good to know its symptoms. You may be deficient of Pantothenic Acid if you experience fatigue, sensations of weakness, and numbness, tingling and burning pain in the feet.

Also, there are a number of medical conditions that Vitamin B5 may help to relieve or prevent, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hyperlipidaemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cataracts, “burning foot” syndrome, and adrenal insufficiency. If you think you might benefit from adding more Pantothenic Acid into your menu, read on for recommendations on how to do this through a whole food approach under the Paleo Diet, in order to achieve long term health in a natural way.

How much Vitamin B5 do you need in your diet?

The recommended daily amount for Pantothenic Acid is 10mg. There is no upper limit set in health recommendations, but very high supplemental doses (of 2 or more grams per day) can cause mild diarrhoea.

Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid Paleo Diet Primal Supplement Deficiency-min

Which foods can you get Vitamin B5 from?

  1. Liver – Although all animal livers are a great source for Vitamin B5,  chicken liver will provide the biggest benefit by covering 83% of your daily need in a 100g serving. Adding liver is a great addition to your diet as it is packed with micronutrients, but if you can’t tolerate its taste easily, try mixing some of it with your minced meat when you make meatballs or burger patties. It’s like a naturally fortified mince!
  2. Sunflower seeds – For a sprinkle of Vitamin B5 in your salads, try adding in some sunflower seeds. Two tablespoons of sunflower seeds will provide 21.5% of your daily need.
  3. Shiitake mushrooms – Mushrooms are a great source of vitamins while providing few calories. So if your caloric consumption is on the low end, they’re an especially good addition to the diet. 100g of shiitake mushrooms provide you with 36% of your daily need of Vitamin B5.
  4. Avocado – Not only do avocadoes provide us with good fats, they have valuable micronutrients to keep us happy and healthy! In one medium fruit there’s 20% of your daily need on Pantothenic Acid. Reason enough to mix up a guacamole!
  5. Caviar – If you ever need one, here’s a good excuse to indulge in some caviar. 100g of it will provide 35% of your daily need, but it’s understandable if you’re not going for as much – there’s 6% of your daily Vitamin B5 need in a tablespoon. But beware; you might be wanting more than that!
  6. Sweet potato – The humble sweet potato is also a decent source for Vitamin B5. One cup of cooked sweet potatoes equals to 10.1% of your daily need of Pantothenic Acid. A cheaper source than caviar, at least!
  7. Cauliflower – Here’s an idea for a Vitamin B5-filled snack for your next film night! A cup of raw cauliflower provides 7.1% of your daily need. Snack on!

What else should you know about Vitamin B5?

Pantothenic Acid is relatively unstable in food, with significant amounts being lost through freezing and processing. This shows why the Paleo Diet that promotes fresh whole ingredients is a good approach if you care about vitamin consumption – you will simply more health out of your food!

So, will you take note of Vitamin B5 in your food from now on? Do you have any good recipes to use the specific ingredients? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Paleo Diet Primal Fluoride Drinking Tap Water Health Filter Mineral-min

Should You Worry About Fluoride In Your Drinking Water?

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The chances are, where you live, the authorities will have added Fluoride to your tap water.

Fluoride was added to water because there were a lot of issues with tooth decay and cavities, so governments around the world decided to take action – however the route they chose is perhaps not the healthiest or safest way to obtain better dental health. Although it has shown to help prevent tooth decay, it is responsible for many other negative things.There are several dangers to having Fluoride in water, studies have shown several health risks such as; lowered IQ, bone cancer, kidney disease, thyroid function, and reproductive problems. Problems too big to ignore….

A big argument against adding Fluoride to the water supply, is that it is technically a medicine – and it cannot be controlled by the government how much is taken. By adding Fluoride to the water supply, it can be taken in large amounts. If people would like to take Fluoride, it should surely be done so voluntarily – in a way that can be controlled. Everybody needs to drink water and it does not seem just to force everybody to take in extra amounts of Fluoride?

Some local authorities do not add Fluoride to their water supply – so contact yours, to find out exactly what is coming out of your taps.

Paleo Diet Primal Fluoride Drinking Tap Water Health Filter Mineral-min

If Fluoride is in your water supply, how can you avoid it?

You can drink natural spring and mineral waters – and completely avoid your tap altogether. Another option is to filter your water supply to remove the Fluoride (and other undesirables). Unfortunately filters like Brita and Pur don’t remove Fluoride. Boiling or freezing water won’t make any difference either. You’ll need to use a reverse osmosis filter, Distillation Filtration, or a specific Activated Alumina Defluoridation Filter.

Don’t forget conventional toothpaste contains high levels of Fluoride too – so think about swapping to a healthier alternative – or making your own!

If you’re concerned about Fluoride in your water, make your voice heard and contact your local authority.

I’d love to hear what you think about Fluoride in water?

Are you deficient in vitamin B2 supplement deficiency-min

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) & the Paleo Diet

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If you’re aiming for optimal health, you shouldn't overlook Vitamin B2 – also known as Riboflavin. A supporter of cellular energy production, it helps the body to metabolise carbohydrates. What is more, it plays an important role in the normal development of tissues – especially connective tissues like those that make up your skin and hair. Thus, it is an important component in the diet for feeling AND looking healthy.

A deficiency of Riboflavin can be noted by a variety of symptoms often related to skin issues like soreness around the lips, mouth and tongue, cracking of skin at the corners of the mouth, peeling of the skin (particularly around the nose), burning and itching around the eyes, and also a sensitivity to light. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, the Paleo Diet can be a great help by providing adequate Vitamin B2 from natural sources.

There are more benefits to Riboflavin than relieving these symptoms, however! Vitamin B2 helps along in the absorption of iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B3 and vitamin B12, and it may play a role in preventing or treating a variety of health conditions, including anaemia, migraines, rosacea, carpal tunnel syndrome, cataracts, and vaginitis. If you’re doing heavy exercise (crossfit anyone?) your need for Vitamin B2 might be up to 10 times the ordinary amount.

How much Vitamin B2 should you consume?

The suggested daily amount is 1.7mg. There is no reported upper limit of consumption from natural food sources.

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Where can you get Riboflavin from?

  1. Liver – Now this is a superfood! Whether you prefer beef, chicken or lamb liver (or any other animal for that matter), you can be sure of getting a good dose of Riboflavin. Lamb liver provides the most, with 270% of your daily need in a 100g serving. Great reason for sautéing some liver or having pate for dinner after a heavy workout! Or if you’re not accustomed to the taste of liver just yet, try adding some to your mince/ ground meat mixture when you make meatballs or burger patties to enjoy the health benefits without the strong taste.
  2. Almonds – If you’re looking for a Riboflavin-rich snack, almonds should be on the top of your list. A 100g serving covers 60% of your daily need. Feel free to eat this in the form of almond butter, if you wish!
  3. Mackerel – The best fish source for Vitamin B2, mackerel provides 32% of your daily need in 100 grams, or 56% per fillet. An easy way of adding mackerel to your diet is buying the canned variety – great on top of a green salad or eaten straight out of the tin!
  4. Eggs – Another reason to keep eating those eggs for breakfast! One pasture-raised egg provides 15.3% of your daily Riboflavin need.
  5. Spinach – Perhaps you want some spinach beside those eggs or with that mackerel fillet? 1 cup of cooked spinach provides 24.7% of your daily need of Vitamin B2.
  6. Sun-dried tomatoes – The rich-tasting sun-dried tomatoes that make sauces and salads stand out, are also a great source of Riboflavin. With 29% of your daily need covered in a 100g serving, they’re a healthy addition to your meals.

What else should you know about Vitamin B2 consumption?

Vitamin B2 is stable when heated, but if you’re boiling Riboflavin-rich food, a relevant amount of the vitamin will stay in the water – thus it is best to consume the broth as well to not let good micronutrients go to waste. In addition, exposure to light also affects the quantity of Riboflavin, so it is suggested to keep foods that are rich in it in opaque containers, and to cover pots with lids when cooking.

So, my Paleo friends, are you convinced of the benefits of Vitamin B2? Do you have any good suggestions for including it in your diet? Do share in the comments!

Paleo Diet Primal Grounding Earthing Barefoot Health Nature Connect-min

Grounding: When Did You Last Connect?

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Have you heard of grounding, or earthing? Perhaps you already do it – maybe without even realising? It might sound a bit new age and made up, but the more I've read about it – and tried it – the more sense it makes.

Earthing is where you allow you your body to be in direct contact with the Earth. You can do this by walking around barefoot, sitting outside outside on the lawn or the sand, or sleeping under the stars (in direct contact with the Earth). Advocates of grounding recommended you do it for at least 30 minutes a day for optimal benefits.

So many people wake up in a high rise house, put their shoes on, drive to work, sit at a desk all day in an insulated office block, drive home – and repeat. Even exercise is often exclusively done indoors in a gym. How many people go weeks without any direct contact to the Earth? Our ancestors walked barefoot and slept on the ground – very different.

The idea behind grounding, is that the Earth has a negative charge. When a person, with an excessive negative charge, walks around in contact with the Earth, the excess of electrons will supposedly be absorbed by the Earth’s surface. By balancing out your body chemistry using the earth, the idea is that you will feel more relaxed and at ease – and with improved sleep.

There are (of course!) lots of companies who have jumped on the grounding/ earthing bandwagon to produce artificial products to mimic the effects of earthing. You can get a grounding mat to put under your desk at work, or earthing sheets, to have the same effect as sleeping on the ground. However, with it being so easy to connect to the Earth naturally, why fake it? The only exception to man made products, that I would put in this category is barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes like Vibram Five Fingers (VFF’s) are a great way to safely walk around, without worrying about stepping in something you shouldn't.

Paleo Diet Primal Grounding Earthing Barefoot Health Nature Connect-min

It doesn't have to be a huge thing to schedule in your day. Find ways to incorporate earthing with what you already do in your daily life. If you enjoy walking, then walk along the beach barefoot. If you write on a daily basis or read, then just change your environment and enjoy doing those activities while sitting on grass. If you just want some time to relax in your day go outside and enjoy nature for a while.

Whether or not you agree with the science behind earthing – you have to agree walking around barefooted in cool grass feels great?

There are several benefits of earthing/grounding that you won’t discover until you get outdoors and take your shoes off!

Do you regularly connect with the Earth? Does it make you feel better? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Paleo Diet Primal Vitamin H Biotin Deficiency-min

Vitamin H (Biotin) & the Paleo Diet

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Biotin – also known as Vitamin H – actually belongs to B-complex vitamins. This means that its main function in the body is to help along in the production of energy from carbohydrates, fat and protein. But that’s not all, Biotin also aids in the regulation and production of certain amino acids and glucose. If you’re interested in looking healthy, adequate Biotin consumption can help, since it contributes to the strength of your hair and nails, and to the health of your skin.

But how do you know you might be deficient? If you have skin problems, that might be sign of Biotin deficiency. Also, hair loss, muscle cramps, and lack of muscle tone or coordination can point to the need of more Biotin in your food. Extended use of antibiotics and anti-seizure medications can increase the risk of deficiency. Worry not, however, there are a number of great sources for Biotin that you can get from whole foods under the Paleo Diet, to support your health in a natural way.

And if you decide to do that, there are a number of medical problems you may be preventing by consuming a good amount of Biotin, including neuromuscular conditions like seizures, intestinal conditions like IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and chronic diarrhoea, as well as a number of skin conditions and hair loss.

How much Vitamin H do you need in your diet?

Biotin deficiency is very rare, since intestinal bacteria usually produce high amounts of Biotin by themselves. The needed daily amount is 35 mcg per day, but if you aim to address certain medical issues or strengthen your hair and nails, you can go much higher than that. Since the body easily gets rid of excessive Biotin through urine, you shouldn’t worry about excess consumption from whole foods.

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Which foods can you get Biotin from?

There are a number of great natural sources of Biotin that you are encouraged to consume under the Paleo Diet – below are some of the best.

  1. Eggs – A daily dose of Biotin is another reason to keep eating eggs, with Biotin provided mostly in egg yolks.
  2. Liver – Biotin is among the many micronutrient benefits you will get from eating liver. Whether you prefer to fry it up by itself, make pate, or add it to your minced meat, liver is a great addition to your diet.
  3. Almonds – For a Biotin-rich snack, grab a handful of almonds or indulge in some almond butter!
  4. Walnuts – Another nut rich in Biotin is the walnut, which is great as a snack, but also a wonderful addition to salads.
  5. Swiss chard – As a side to those eggs, why not have some Swiss chard? Leafy greens are a good source of Biotin, with Swiss chard as the forerunner among them.
  6. Carrots – Grab a carrot or prepare a salad for another kick of Biotin!
  7. Strawberries and raspberries – To add Biotin to your dessert course, add a few handfuls of berries – preferably strawberries or raspberries that have the highest amount.
  8. Halibut – If you crave fish for dinner and wish to increase your Biotin consumption – go for halibut!
  9. Mushrooms – Mushrooms are another good source for Biotin in your diet, so feel free to add them to your salads, soups and stews!

What else do you need to know about Vitamin H consumption?

Biotin is a stable vitamin, and exposure to heat, light and oxygen doesn’t lessen its content in foods. Therefore you shouldn’t worry much about cooking and storage methods when focused on Biotin consumption. However, strong and acidic conditions can lessen a food’s Vitamin H content. Also, there is a protein present in raw egg whites – called avidin – that disrupts Biotin absorption, so if you’re concerned about your food’s Vitamin H content, you shouldn’t combine it with raw egg whites. Cooking eggs eliminates this issue.

Are you thinking of increasing your Biotin consumption? Do you have any recipes to share with the specific ingredients? Share them in the comments!

Vitamin C Paleo Diet Primal Supplement Deficiency-min

Vitamin C & the Paleo Diet

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If there were a popularity contest among vitamins, Vitamin C would probably win the tiara and first place. No other vitamin has become such a household name, but what do you actually know about it in addition to the conventional wisdom of munching on Vitamin C when you’re getting a cold?

Vitamin C can prove useful in a large number of cases. Actually, it requires a decent dosage of Vitamin C to fight most forms of cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, eye disease, thyroid disease and joint disease. In addition, there are a number of specific medical conditions that may be improved by elevated Vitamin C levels, like Parkinson’s, irritable bowel disease, diabetes, depression, autism, asthma, Alzheimer’s, and acne. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption and acts against free radical damage.

But how can you recognize a deficiency? The usual indicators are frequent colds, poor wound healing, and lung-related problems. Luckily, the Paleo diet provides a myriad of sources for obtaining Vitamin C in the form of whole fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C Paleo Diet Primal Supplement Deficiency-min

How much Vitamin C do you need in your diet?

The recommended daily amount is 60mg, but the natural requirement of each individual can vary.

Which foods can you get Vitamin C from?

The actual content of Vitamin C in food can vary greatly, with ripe foods containing more than unripe ones, and when it comes to ripe food, there’s probably more Vitamin C in it if it’s been harvested when younger.  A good Paleo diet however provides a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C, so this variation shouldn't become an issue. Below are some great sources with their average content of vitamin C.

  1. Papaya – Papayas probably aren't the first fruit that comes to mind with Vitamin C, but this exotic fruit is an excellent source. One medium sized fruit will provide you with 313% of your daily Vitamin C need. Whoa!
  2. Capsicum/ Bell peppers – The amount of vitamin C that is packed in capsicum/ bell peppers depends on their colour. While green capsicum/ peppers have the least Vitamin C in them, yellow capsicum/ peppers have the most, providing 206% of your daily need in a 100g serving.
  3. Kiwi – another delicious fruit, kiwi provides as much as 141% of your daily Vitamin C need per just one fruit. Small but powerful!
  4. Strawberries – Not just a delicious mid-summer dessert, strawberries also provide a great source for Vitamin C. A serving of 100g will give you 98% of your daily need.
  5. Broccoli – Another great vegetable source for Vitamin C, broccoli provides 135% of your daily need in one cup of florets.
  6. Kale – Vitamin C content is among the health benefits of dark leafy greens, with kale including the most. In 100g of raw kale, there’s 200% of your daily need of Vitamin C. That’s a great reason for sautéing some kale with your meal, preparing a salad or even making kale chips – because chips full of vitamins are just phenomenal!
  7. Orange – One medium orange contains 116% of your daily Vitamin C need. There’s quite a lot of vitamins in the peel as well, so if you have organic oranges, don’t hesitate to use their peels to season your meals!
  8. Thyme – if you want to enhance your meal’s Vitamin C content with seasonings, thyme is your best choice. A single tsp provides 3% of your daily intake need – this might not sound like much, but for just a dash of herbs it is quite remarkable.

What else do you need to know about Vitamin C?

It is best to consume Vitamin C-containing fruit and vegetables when they’re fresh and raw – this way you’ll be able to absorb as much of the vitamin as possible. Some loss of the vitamin occurs in food when it is briefly boiled, steamed or frozen, while the loss is significant after longer periods of boiling, or if the food has been canned.

So, did you learn something new about vitamin C from reading this? Do you have any good tips when it comes to Vitamin C? Please share in the comments!

Vitamin B1 Thiamine & the Paleo Diet-min

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) & the Paleo Diet

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Thiamine – it is not a vitamin you hear about often, but yet it is vital to the functioning of your body. You see, Vitamin B1 is used in the body to maintain cellular function, and it is important to keep all the organs working as they should. It helps along in producing energy from carbohydrates, and also supports the working of the nervous system.

People who consume a lot of highly processed foods, sweets and sodas are at a higher risk of Vitamin B1 deficiency – which is one reason why the Paleo Diet is great for maintaining health. In addition, a deficiency can occur because of alcohol abuse, liver disorders, kidney dialysis, and over-dieting, and you might need more B1 if you have chronic stress, or are a smoker. How do you know you might be deficient? Aspects that can indicate that are a feeling of numbness or muscle tenderness (especially in the legs), loss of appetite, and frequent “pins and needles” sensations. Vitamin B1 deficiency also causes the syndromes of beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and optic neuropathy.

But let’s look at the bright side! Sufficient consumption may play a role in the prevention or treatment of a number of health conditions, including alcoholism, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, congestive heart failure, depression, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, Korsakoff’s psychosis, multiple sclerosis, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy. But knowing that it supports muscle function, brain health and learning capacity, and acts as an antioxidant should be a good enough reason to include more of it in your diet!

How much Vitamin B1 do you need?

The recommended daily amount is 1.4mg, and there appears to be no upper limit you should be worried about, since high doses do not appear to carry a risk of toxicity.

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Where can you get thiamine from?

The Paleo Diet is a great way of getting optimal levels of Vitamin B1. Below are some of the best sources of Thiamine – do you already include them in your diet?

  1. Sesame seeds and tahini (sesame butter) – A staple in Middle-Eastern cuisine, sesame butter provides 106% of your daily need of thiamine in 100g, one tablespoon providing 15%. An easy way of including tahini in your meals is to make a simple sauce from it – mix it with a bit of lemon juice and salt, adding water to reach a good consistency – then eat it with roasted or grilled vegetables.  Sunflower seeds that provide 7.5% of daily Thiamine in a tablespoon, are a great addition to salads and stir-frys. Yum!
  2. Tuna – Here’s a great reason for adding tuna to your salad or cooking a tuna steak for dinner –  just 120 g of tuna will provide as much as 40% of your daily need of Thiamine.
  3. Sunflower seeds – Another great addition to your salads or home-made trail mix you can have on the go, sunflower seeds provide 6% of your daily need of vitamin B1 in two tablespoons.
  4. Pork chops – Trying to decide what meat you want to have for dinner? Why not go for pork chops?  A serving of just 100g  provides 83% of your daily Thiamine need.
  5. Asparagus – This micronutrient-dense spring vegetable is also a great source of Thiamine. 1 cup of asparagus stalks will cover 12.7% of your daily need.
  6. Spinach – Yet another reason to add spinach to your diet! 1 cup of cooked spinach provides 11.3% of your daily Vitamin B1 need. If you’re not a fan of spinach by itself, try adding it to smoothies – you’ll be surprised at how much of it you’ll be able to eat.
  7. Pineapple – A cup of pineapple pieces will provide you with 8.7% of your daily need. This is a great reason to end your meal with some juicy slices, or using pineapples to prepare an exotic smoothie.
  8. Oranges – Just one fruit provides you with 7.3% of your daily Thiamine need, making oranges a great snack to have on the go. Also, you can try adding orange slices to salads – delicious!

What else do you need to know about the consumption of vitamin B1?

The adequate absorption of Thiamin requires a good supply of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, so it is important that you get good overall nutrition from whole foods – for which the Paleo Diet is a great solution.

So, what do you think – are you going to include more B1-rich foods into your diet? Maybe you have good recipes to share for using these specific foods? Do share in the comments!