Another week has gone by. Amazing how fast it goes when you’re busy. With all the things that we put our minds through, it’s no wonder that some things fall through the cracks. On that note, I’d like to talk about the importance of Zinc in order for your brain (and body) to function properly.
Zinc has hundreds of function in the human body. Here is just a short list of some of those functions:
- important in the functioning of the immune system
- it assists in the healing of wounds as well as burns
- aids in the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates as well as other gastrointestinal functions
- assists in the function of the prostate gland
- helps the reproductive organs to stay healthy
- is essential in the formation of DNA and RNA
- Is needed in order from the brain, liver, thyroid and kidneys to function properly
- it also transfers carbon dioxide from the tissues in the lungs
- And so much more…
Try to avoid stress as much as possible, too much calcium in your diet, oral contraceptives, alcohol, and processed foods, as these things will all interfere with your absorption of zinc. There have been many studies done on zinc and the human body. One that stands out to me (being a mom), is one done on the connection between zinc deficiency and ADHD in children. The study revealed that when zinc was supplemented into the diet of children with ADHD, that the children responded very positively. Add this to all the other nutrients that are lacking in children with ADHD and behavior problems and you can see why these children are acting the way that the do. As parents it is so important to know this information so that not only can we make sure that our own children are getting everything that they need each day to function properly, but also so that we can help other parents by sharing this information with them so that they can help their children as well.
I know that you will all agree that our children are a very precious gift and we need to make sure that they don’t become another number to the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Here is a list of foods to get you started. In just a little over 1/3 cup of the following you’ll get:
pumpkin seeds – 10.30 mg, peanut butter – 7.17 mg, dried figs 1 mg. Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and sprouts, variety of sprouts, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, mushrooms, peas, spinach, leafy greens, lentils and lentil sprouts, quinoa, amaranth, spelt, etc.
Start with this and be creative in the kitchen. We need 15 mg of zinc a day. Let your children help you and explain to them why these foods are important to eat. Don’t forget to add it to the list of the other nutrients that are needed for our brains.
Today’s recipe to complete this post is a treat for you and your little one.
Kaylee’s Ginger-Snap Bars
I named these after my daughter Kaylee. She loves making these in the kitchen. You can easily change the flavor by changing the spices or flavorings that your using. You can also change the type of nuts or dried fruit you are using as well. So be creative and have fun in the kitchen with your kids.
1 1/3 cup figs, chopped in half
1 1/3 cup almonds or other nut
1 tsp. ground organic ginger
1 tsp. ground organic cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground organic clovesProcess almonds in a food processor until ground but not quite. Add figs and remaining ingredients and process until it sticks together. Do not over process, as it will become oily if you do. Shape into bars with your hands or press into a square glass dish and then slice into bars. Wrap and freeze bars if not using right away.
To Your Health
Monique