The researchers aren't recommending anyone begin taking inorganic nitrate supplements based on the new findings. Rather, they say that the results may offer one explanation for the well-known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and leafy green vegetables in particular.

"We're talking about an amount of nitrate equivalent to what is found in two or three red beets or a plate of organic spinach," said Eddie Weitzberg of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. "We know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes but the active nutrients haven't been clear. This shows inorganic nitrate as a candidate to explain those benefits."

In fact, up until recently nitrate wasn't thought to have any nutritional value at all. It has even been suggested that this component of vegetables might be toxic. But Weitzberg and his colleague Jon Lundberg earlier showed that dietary nitrate feeds into a pathway that produces nitric oxide with the help of friendly bacteria found in our mouths. Nitric oxide has been known for two decades as a physiologically important molecule. It opens up our blood vessels to lower blood pressure, for instance.

The new study offers yet another benefit of nitrate and the nitric oxides that stem from them. It appears that the increased mitochondrial efficiency is owed to lower levels of proteins that normally make the cellular powerhouses leaky. "Mitochondria normally aren't fully efficient," Weitzberg explained. "No machine is."

Questions do remain. The new results show that increased dietary nitrate can have a rather immediate effect. But it's not yet clear what might happen in people who consume higher levels of inorganic nitrate over longer periods of time. Weitzberg says it will be a natural next step to repeat the experiment in people with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to see if they too enjoy the benefits of nitrates.

"Among the more consistent findings from nutritional research are the beneficial effects of a high intake of fruit and vegetables in protection against major disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes," the researchers concluded. "However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for these effects is still unclear, and trials with single nutrients have generally failed. It is tempting to speculate that boosting of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway may be one mechanism by which vegetables exert their protective effects."

As an interesting aside, Weitzberg says that the benefits of dietary nitrates suggest that powerful mouthwashes may have a downside. "We need oral bacteria for the first step in nitrate reduction," he says. "You could block the effects of inorganic nitrate if you use a strong mouthwash or spit [instead of swallowing your saliva]. In our view, strong mouthwashes are not good if you want this system to work."

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Cell Press^[1], via EurekAlert!^[2], a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

Filip J. Larsen, Tomas A. Schiffer, Sara Borniquel, Kent Sahlin, Björn Ekblom, Jon O. Lundberg, Eddie Weitzberg. Dietary Inorganic Nitrate Improves Mitochondrial Efficiency in Humans. Cell Metabolism, 2011; 13 (2): 149-159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.01.004^[3]

References^{^}

Cell Press (www.cellpress.com)^{^} EurekAlert! (www.eurekalert.org)^{^} 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.01.004 (dx.doi.org)

Iron is vital to life. Every cell in the human body contains iron. Oxygenation of tissues and cells is accomplished by iron contained in red blood cells which carry oxygenated blood throughout the body and pick up carbon dioxide to be excreted. The human body uses iron to enhance immune system functioning, produce energy and increase oxygen distribution throughout the organ systems.

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin (Hb). Insufficient Hb, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the body, and generally known as anemia. In order to avoid anemia, vegans need to take daily care to find edible sources of iron, Vitamin C, and copper. Vitamin C can increase the iron absorption from foods by two times. An adequate copper level in the blood is critical to the transport of iron throughout the body.

Signs of needing more iron include lowered resistance to infections, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, brittle nails, a sense of apathy and feelings of depression. Increased iron intake through natural foods is key to preventing these low iron symptoms. The body needs to maintain about four grams of iron to function well.

How much iron do we need?

Iron is available in two forms, heme-iron and nonheme-iron. Heme-iron is contained in animal flesh. For those of us who choose a vegan life style, nonheme-iron, found in plants is what we need.
The RNI (Reference Nutrient Intake) for adults is 8.7 mg daily average. For menstruating women it's set at 14.8 mg. But bear in mind that figure is set with the average woman (on a standard cooked diet) in mind. It will not apply to the majority of all-raw women, who generally bleed far less than the average.

Can iron be stored?

Yes, which means that we don't need to concern ourselves with iron intake within any one day.

Can we have too much iron?

Yes. High levels of iron in the blood have been linked with cancer and heart attacks. And high doses of iron supplements have been linked with constipation, vomiting and diarrhea, and can be fatal.

RAW VEGAN SOURCES OF IRON

The following raw vegan food groups tend to be particularly high in iron: seeds, nuts, dried fruit, dark green leaves.

Here are just a few examples of foods high in iron, and I've been realistic on serving sizes. For example, you will often hear people say that parsley is high in iron. Well, yes it is, per 100g. But parsley is so light in weight that you'd have to eat five packs for it to make it onto the list below.

Pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup, 10 mg iron
Dried apricots/peaches, 100g, 6 mg
Cashews, 1/2 cup, 5 mg
Pine kernels, 1/2 cup, 4 mg
Sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup, 4 mg
Almonds, 1/2 cup, 3 mg
Spinach, 100g, 3 mg
Sea veg (generally), 100g, 2-3 mg
Kale, 100g, 2 mg
Walnuts, 1/2 cup, 2 mg
Sprouted lentils, 1/2 cup, 2 mg
(Source: USDA Nutrient Database)

There are many other options for increasing daily iron intake like string beans, turnip and mustard greens, shiitake mushrooms, romaine lettuce, tofu and blackstrap molasses. Not quite as high in iron but still beneficial are asparagus, broccoli, chick peas, leeks, lentils, brussel sprouts.

Raw fooders who eat at least some of the foods on this list regularly should have no problem in making the RNI of 8 grams, as most of the other foods eaten in a week will also be contributing to iron requirements.

Remember that cooking reduces nutrient levels including iron. Raw harvests must be carefully cleaned and it's important to avoid harvesting in areas where pesticides are in use. The more iron-rich foods that you eat in an uncooked state, the better your iron level will be.

Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/025978.html
http://debbietookrawforlife.blogspot.com/2009/05/where-do-you-get-youriron.html

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children under the age of 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

While the phasing out of lead in gasoline and paint has helped to reduce childhood exposure to lead - and impending limits on lead in toys and other children products should help further - millions of children still experience lead poisoning. Federal authorities say old lead paint in older homes, along with contaminated soil - both of which produce lead-tainted dust and grime that children ingest inadvertently - are the chief causes of lead poisoning.

To reduce exposure and protect your child, The Daily Green recommends these steps:

1. Maintain paint in older homes, so that you avoid peeling and flaking that can produce dust. Consult with a professional if you have any doubts.

2. Check your toys and remove any that have been recalled due to high lead content.

3. Get your child's blood lead level tested, so you know if you need to carefully investigate potential sources.

4. Avoid home renovations during pregnancy or a child's first six years; if you do renovate, do so carefully and under professional guidance.

5. Ensure good nutrition. Iron deficiency can lead the body to absorb more lead, so ensure your child is eating enough iron (and the Vitamin C needed by the body to absorb the iron). Similarly, eating calcium will cause the body to absorb less lead.

Nutrition Is a Key Part of Lead Poisoning Prevention.

Below is the list of some foods that are packed with calcium, iron and Vitamin C. Add them to your diet so you can protect your children's health.

Guava is rich in vitamin C -- one half cup of the fruit contains 188 mg of vitamin C and 56 calories. Eat the fruit raw, or smoothies.

Cereal. This includes cold and hot ready-to-eat cereals. The amount of iron you can get from cold cereals ranges from 1.8 to 21.1 mg of iron, but it's typically lower for hot cereals (4.9 to 8.1 mg), so check those labels. Ready-to-eat fortified cereals are also often a good source of calcium.

Red Sweet Pepper. You probably instantly think citrus when you think of immune system-boosting vitamin C, but red sweet pepper offers a solid dose of the nutrient. One half cup of raw red sweet pepper contains 142 mg of vitamin C and 20 calories. If you cook the veggie, a half cup offers 116 mg of vitamin C.

Kiwi. This fruit, not the bird that's the national symbol of New Zealand -- is rich in vitamin C. One medium kiwi contains 70 mg of the nutrient and 46 calories.

Orange. Who doesn't want an injection of acidic orange when in need of a vitamin C boost? You're justified. One medium orange contains 70 mg of vitamin C and 62 calories. If you prefer it in liquid form, 3/4 cup of orange juice contains 61-93 mg of vitamin C and 79-84 calories.

Soybeans. A half cup of cooked soybeans contains 4.4 mg of iron and 149 calories.

Green Sweet Pepper. They offer 60 mg of vitamin C per half cup, with only 15 calories. When cooked, the vegetable provides 51 mg of vitamin C.

Tofu. One half cup of firm tofu contains 253 mg of calcium and only 88 calories.

Pumpkin Seeds. An ounce of pumpkin and squash seed kernels contain 4.2 mg of iron and 148 calories.

White beans deliver 3.9 mg of iron and 153 calories per half cup. They are also a top source of potassium.

Grapefruit juice provides almost the same amount of vitamin C as green peppers: 3/4 cup has 50-70 mg vitamin C and 71-86 calories.

Molasses. One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses offers 3.5 mg of iron, 172 mg of calcium and 47 calories.

Strawberries are full of fiber and antioxidants, including vitamin C. A half cup of strawberries contains 49 mg of the vitamin and 27 calories.

Lentils. Hearty lentils are delicious and nutritious: a half cup offers 3.3 mg of iron and 115 calories.

Brussels Sprouts. You already know this kid-unfriendly vegetable has a good nutritional reputation, but did you know that includes vitamin C? A half cup of Brussels sprouts offers 48 mg of vitamin C and 28 calories.

Collard Greens. A half cup of collard greens has 178 mg of calcium and 31 calories.

Spinach follows closely behind lentils. A half cup has 3.2 mg of iron and 21 calories.

Cantaloupe. One quarter of a medium cantaloupe has 47 mg of vitamin C and 51 calories.

Found at http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-poisoning-prevention-diet-47041702?src=rss

The largest organ of the body, which is the skin, is primarily designed to act as a protective covering for other bodily organs. The skin regulates the internal temperature of the body. The skin is also the main indicator of the well being or health of a person. Most of us these days spend a considerable amount of our hard earned money just to make our skin look great. What most people don't know is that you can achieve a great looking skin tone while spending less. The secret? Raw Food Diet.

The health of our skin is very much dependent on the health of our internal environment and organs. When the body is unhealthy and toxic, these conditions manifest themselves externally. These could include dry skin, chaffed skin, dark eye rings, poor complexion, body odor, to name a few.

Heating food above 105 degrees Fahrenheit destroys the enzymes as well as 50% of the protein and 70-90% of the vitamins and minerals. Eating cooked food overtaxes the body’s enzyme reserves.

If you go on a raw food diet, you will provide your skin with all the essential vitamins, nutrients and amino acids that your skin needs. Thereby making your skin looking young and fresh. The reason for that is because raw foods have much higher level of moisture than that of cooked or processed foods. And once your body has the proper vitamins and nutrients it needs, your organs will become healthier, as mentioned before, your skin is the main indicator of your health.

As the saying goes, "the best way to have a radiant and healthy looking skin, you must start inside out". To do that, you must have a healthy diet. If you are an avid coffee drinker, it would be best that you start reducing your coffee intake until you no longer crave for one. The reason for that is because caffeine removes a lot of moisture to the body. And moisture deficiency is one way of having dry skin which would lead to lines and wrinkles.

Consuming pure water, fresh fruit juices or coconut milk provide your body with the much needed moisture it craves. And by substituting carbonated drinks, tea, and coffee with above mentioned, your skin will become more radiant and younger looking. An indication of a healthy body. Drinking water will help your body increase its detoxification rate. Eating seaweeds will also help you get rid of the toxins inside your body because seaweeds have high levels of vitamins and minerals that greatly benefit the skin.

CoenzymeQ10 is an effective antioxidant involved in the energy process and present in every cell in the body. CoQ10 levels in the body diminish with age. CoQ10 destroys free radicals and slows aging. Spinach, broccoli and peanuts are foods high in CoQ10.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the strength of other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, and assists the body’s energy production. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in spinach, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, tomatoes and peas.

Sulfur is a mineral present in every cell in your body. It is needed in collagen production and for healthy skin, hair and nails. Organic sulfur levels in food are lost when processed, heated or dried. Sulfur is known to help improve skin conditions such as acne. High sulfur content foods include asparagus, broccoli, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, red pepper, garlic, onion, watercress and kale.

Silicon is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones. Silicon levels decrease with age. Fruits and vegetables are the richest source of silicon including apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries, beets, cucumber, carrots and green leafy vegetables.

Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that help the body defend against damage and are said to have anti-aging properties. Phytochemicals can be found in berries, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, carrots, cocoa and bell pepper.

Raw nuts and seeds are high in Vitamin E which is beneficial to the skin. Selenium keeps the skin elastic and can be found in garlic, onions and shallots.

Having a raw food diet will let your body get rid of the various toxins in your body. Eating raw food will greatly increase the detoxification rate of your body. So, if you want to have a healthy skin tone, having a raw food diet will help you achieve your goal. The appearance of your skin tone reflects your health. In simple terms, what you eat is what you are.

Not intending or unable to go fully raw? It’s fine – just increase the proportion of raw foods and fresh juices in your diet, and you will see the difference. Eat more raw foods and your skin health will get better, too!