Natural seeds exchange :: Trade Exchange Swap and Barter natural seeds

Taste of Health

Exchange natural and healthy food
products, services and resources.
Diets, recipes and technologies.
Nutrition programs, supplements,
sources and references.

Vitality of natural food

Fruits
Vegetables
Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
Meat, Poultry, Fish
Eggs, Beans, Nuts
Breads and Cereal
Rice and Pasta

Energy of organic food

Fruits
Vegetables
Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
Meat, Poultry, Fish
Eggs, Beans, Nuts
Breads and Cereal
Rice and Pasta

Purity of nutrition food

Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
Protein and Calcium
Beneficial Bacteria

On May 23, 2003, President Bush proposed an Initiative to End Hunger in Africa using genetically modified (GM) foods. He also blamed Europe's "unfounded, unscientific fears" of these foods for thwarting recovery efforts. Bush was convinced that GM foods held the key to greater yields, expanded U.S. exports, and a better world. His rhetoric was not new. It had been passed down from president to president, and delivered to the American people through regular news reports and industry advertisements.
The message was part of a master plan that had been crafted by corporations determined to control the world's food supply.

This natural seeds exchange promotes healthy food exchange, agriculture and an environment which will provide food and meet public health needs without dependence on toxic chemicals, and without harm to food producers and agricultural workers. Onecer Natural seeds exchange is an independent, non-profit organisation. We work nationally and internationally with like-minded groups and individuals concerned with health and the environment.

Primal Natural Seeds exchange actively engages in protecting bio diversity and promoting the use of natural seeds exchanges. It supports people around the world who oppose agribusiness and promote natural seeds exchange based on diversity and community.

Natural Food and Nutrition Guide

Healthy Bones

No matter what your age, bone health is important. Strong bones help prevent osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and break easily. Often considered an "elderly" concern, osteoporosis prevention begins at an early age and continues throughout your lifetime. Bone mass develops rapidly between the ages of 10 and 20 and peaks at age 30. Building and maintaining strong bones depends on calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity.

Calcium

Calcium is an important nutrient for your body and for your health. Calcium helps your heart, muscles, and nerves function. It is also important for bone health. Ninety-nine percent of your body's calcium is stored in your bones. Children and teenagers need adequate calcium in their diets so they can maximize the calcium storage in their bones. In later years, adequate dietary calcium helps minimize calcium loss from the bones.

Vitamin D

Your body uses vitamin D to help transport calcium to your bones. Foods such as milk and eggs contain vitamin D. Your body also makes its own vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight. Three times a week for about 10 to 15 minutes is enough sunlight for younger people. However, because many older people do not get outdoors very often and their skin is much less efficient at making vitamin D, they may need to use supplements to obtain their needed 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D per day. Younger adults usually need around 200 IU per day. One cup of fortified cow's or soy milk provides 100 IU.

Lactose Intolerance

It has been estimated that between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. People who are lactose-intolerant cannot digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms begin anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. Symptoms can vary depending on the person, but include gas, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

If you have trouble digesting dairy products, first try smaller amounts in meals and snacks spread throughout the day. Other solutions include: adding lactase enzyme drops to milk; choosing hard cheeses (like cheddar), and yogurt with active cultures, that are low in lactose; purchasing reduced-lactose dairy products; or taking lactase enzyme tablets before you eat or drink dairy products.

For individuals who either cannot tolerate any lactose or do not like dairy products, following are some calcium-rich alternatives. Calcium supplements may be another option.

Calcium and Fat

Although dairy products are high in calcium, they can also be high in fat. Read the Nutrition Facts label to find lower-fat options. The label lists the grams (g) of fat in the serving and the "%" contribution to the recommended fat level for the day. Some lower-fat options include: nonfat or 1% milk; reduced-fat cheese; and many of the calcium-rich alternatives to dairy, such as dry beans.

Natural calcium supplements

Dietary sources of calcium are best because they contain other nutrients, too. If you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, then calcium supplements are an alternative. They are not designed to replace nutrition, only supplement. Calcium supplements are available in tablets, powders, liquids, and chewable chocolate. Read the label for the amount of calcium. Avoid taking a supplement that contains more than 500 mg. It may keep your body from using the other nutrients in the meal or snack. High doses of calcium at one time can cause gastric upset. Calcium citrate is a supplement that dissolves easily in the stomach and is absorbed efficiently. Bone-meal supplements are made from finely ground animal bones. Bone-meal supplements are not recommended because they may contain toxic metals such as lead.

A word of caution: supplements are not regulated. As a result, many of the products are not standardized-meaning that they do not have the same amount or same product. Check for the Consumer Lab stamp of approval, a CL and a beaker, on the label. CL conducts independent product tests to ensure purity and consistency.

Natural calcium rich alternatives

- Dry Beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans
- Turnip greens, collard greens, broccoli, kale
- Sardines
- Tofu
- Fortified orange juice
- Broth made with meat bones and a few tablespoons of vinegar

Natural Food and Nutrition Guide to Minerals

Boron

• Daily Intake: 1.7-7.0 mg. (RDI not established)
  
• Dietary Source: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, wine, cider, beer
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Depressed growth, osteporosis
  
• Importance: Proper mineral absorption
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Triglycerides
  
• Enhances Absorption: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D
  

Calcium

• Daily Intake: 0.8 mg., 1.0 g.,1.3 g.
  
• Dietary Source: Leafy green vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt, shellfish, bone meal, dolomite, almonds, liver
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Back and leg pains, heart palpitations, tetany, brittle bones, insomnia, tooth decay, muscle pains
  
• Importance: Necessary for development of healthy, strong bones and teeth; assists blood clotting, nerve transmission and tranquilization, heart rhythm
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Lack of hydrchloric acid, exercise, magnesium, D, stress
  
• Enhances Absorption: Magnesium, hydrochloric acid, A, D, C, F, iron

Cesium

• Daily Intake: 0.1-17.5 mcg. (based on urinary elimination)
  
• Dietary Source: Foods grown in mineral-rich soil
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Not determined
  
• Importance: Energy, brain function, cancer prevention
  

Chromium

• Daily Intake: 130 mcg.
  
• Dietary Source: Whole grain cereals, clams, corn oil, brewer's yeast
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Depressed growth rate, atherosclerosis, intolerance in diabetics
  
• Importance: Increases effectiveness of insulin; stimulates enzymes in metabolism of energy; healthy blood circulatory system; synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and protein
  

Cobalt

• Daily Intake: 15-32 mcg.
  
• Dietary Source: Meats, leafy green vegetables, fruits, poultry, milk, clams, organ meats
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Retarded growth rate, pernicious anemia
  
• Importance: Maintains red blood cells; functions as part of B-12; activates some enzymes in body
  
• Enhances Absorption: Copper, iron, zinc

Copper

• Daily Intake: 1 mg., 2 mg., 2 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Soybeans, raisins, nuts, bone meal, organ meats, fish, legumes, molasses
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Skin sores, impaired respiration, general weakness
  
• Importance: Part of many enzymes; works with vitamin C to form elastin; formation of red blood cells; color of hair and skin; good for bone formation
  
• Inhibits Absorption: High intakes of zinc
  
• Enhances Absorption: Zinc, cobalt, iron

Iodine

• Daily Intake: 70 mcg.,150 mcg., 150 mcg.
  
• Dietary Source: Mushrooms, iodized salt, fish, kelp tablets
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Obesity, irritability, dry hair, nervousness, cold hands and feet
  
• Importance: Regulates energy production and rate of metabolism; enhances thyroid function; needed for prevention of goiter; good for healthy hair, skin, nails, teeth
  

Iron

• Daily Intake: 10 mg., 18 mg.,18 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Cherry juice, liver, eggs, fish, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, shredded wheat, dried fruits, poultry
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Weakness, difficulty in breathing, anemia, constipation, brittle nails
  
• Importance: Needed for formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin; promotes protein metabolism; stress and disease resistance; promotes growth; good for healthy teeth, skin, nails, bones
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Excessive zinc, coffee, excessive phosphorus
  
• Enhances Absorption: Copper, C, folic acid, B-12, calcium

Lithium

• Daily Intake: 730 mcg. mean U.S. intake
  
• Dietary Source: Foods grown in mineral-rich soil
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Depressed growth, reduced fertility, reduced longetivity, depression
  
• Importance: Proper endocrine regulation, brain function, promoter of actin filament assembly (Actin is an integral component of striated muscle cells.)
• Inhibits Absorption: Vanadium, cobalt, aluminum
  
• Enhances Absorption: Cobalt, B-12

Magnesium

• Daily Intake: 200 mg, 400 mg., 450 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Molasses, whole grains, honey, nuts, kelp tablets, tuna, bran, green vegetables, bone meal, fish
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Muscular excitability, confusion, nervousness, tremors
  
• Importance: Catalyst in the utilization of carbohydrate-fat-protein, phosphorus, calcium, possible potassium; good for energy; healthy maintenance of bones, arteries, heart, nerves, teeth
  
• Enhances Absorption: B-6, protein, calcium, C, D

Manganese

• Daily Intake: 3.5 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy green vegetables, bananas, celery, pineapple, liver, egg yolks
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Hearing loss, ataxia, dizziness
  
• Importance: Enzyme activation, maintains sex hormone production; helps carbohydrate and fat production, tissue respiration; utilizes vitamin E; needed for normal skeletal development
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Excessive intake of phosphorus and calcium
  
• Enhances Absorption: Phosphorus, calcium, B-1, E

Molybdenum

• Daily Intake: 160 mcg.
  
• Dietary Source: Milk, dairy products, legumes, organ meats, grains
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Depressed growth, low appetite, impaired reproduction and fertility
  
• Importance: Proper mental function, proper amino acid metabolism
  
• Enhances Absorption: Sulfur-amino acids

Nickel

• Daily Intake: 35-700 mcg./d.
  
• Dietary Source: Chocolate, nuts, dried beans, grains
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Depressed growth, dermatitis
  
• Importance: Optimal growth, healthy skin, bone structure, enhances alkaline phosphate
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Iron, copper
  

Phosphorus

• Daily Intake: 0.8 mg.,1.0 g.,1.3 g.
  
• Dietary Source: Legumes, milk & milk products, bone meal, nuts, yellow cheese, eggs, fish, grains, poultry
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Pyorrhea, weight loss, appetite loss, irregular breathing, fatigue, nervousness, overweight
  
• Importance: Works with calcium to form bones, teeth; cell growth and repair; utilizes carbohydrate-fat-protein; heart muscle contraction; nerve activity
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Excessive intake of magnesium, white sugar, iron
  
• Enhances Absorption: Protein, manganese, iron, calcium, A, F, D

Potassium

• Daily Intake: 3500 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Meats, whole grains, legumes, dried fruits, dates, figs, peaches, nuts, seafood, bananas, apricots
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, poor reflexes, dry skin, nervousness, irregular heartbeat (slow), insomnia
  
• Importance: Controls activity of heart muscles, nervous system, kidneys; rapid growth; muscle contractions; nerve tranquilization
  
• Inhibits Absorption: Coffee, diuretics, sugar, stress, alcohol, cortisone, laxatives
  
• Enhances Absorption: B-6, sodium

Selenium

• Daily Intake: 70 mcg.
  
• Dietary Source: Broccoli, onions, tuna, herring, bran and wheat germ, brewer's yeast, whole grain
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Premature aging
  
• Importance: Works with vitamin E, preserves tissue elasticity; protein utilization
  
• Enhances Absorption: Vitamin E

Silicon

• Daily Intake: 21-46 mg. (RDI not established)
  
• Dietary Source: Unrefined high-fiber grains, cereal products, root vegetables
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Impaired formation of bone and cartilage (low collagen content)
  
• Importance: Essential for the repair, maintenance and formation of healthy connective tissue
  
• Enhances Absorption: Calcium

Vanadium

• Daily Intake: 12.4-30 mcg. (RDI not established)
  
• Dietary Source: Shellfish, mushrooms, parsley, dill seed, black pepper
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Impaired perinatal survival, depressed growth, enhanced hematocrit, plasma cholesterol, lipids and phospholipids
  
• Importance: Regulation of energy production, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, enhances bone and tooth formation
  
• Enhances Absorption: Zinc, copper, iron

Zinc

• Daily Intake: 8 mg., 15 mg., 15 mg.
  
• Dietary Source: Organ meats, brewer's yeast, fish, soybeans, liver, spinach, mushrooms, sunflower seeds
  
• Deficiency Symptoms: Sterility, delayed sexual maturity, loss of taste, poor appetite, fatigue, retarded growth
  
• Importance: Aids in digestion and metabolism of phosphorus and protein; component of insulin and male reproductive fluid; burn and wound healing process; prostate, carbohydrate digestion
  
• Inhibits Absorption: High intake of calcium, alcohol
  
• Enhances Absorption: Phosphorus, copper, calcium, A