HERBAL NUTRITION

In addition to their use as flavoring agents and medicine, herbs are also very nutrient dense. By adding them to our daily diets through food, infusions and herbal medicines we can greatly increase our consumption of certain nutrients. An additional benefit to choosing herbal nutrition is that our bodies are able to fully absorb and utilize them. Following is a list of certain nutrients and herbs in which they are found in high concentrations.

Calcium: In addition to the vital role calcium plays in maintaining bone health, this mineral is also responsible for helping to maintain blood pressure, aiding the transmission of nerve impulses and is necessary for the contraction of muscles-including the heart.

Herbs containing high levels (more than 1,900 mg per 100 grams) of calcium include:

Kelp – 3,040 mg

Nettle – 2,900 mg

Magnesium: This mineral is considered to be a synergist to calcium. It also plays a part in regulating muscle contractions, assists in the utilization of vitamins C, E, and B6 and is necessary for the proper metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. DNA and RNA synthesis is also dependent upon magnesium.

Herbs containing high levels (more than 500 mg per gram) of magnesium include:

Oatstraw/seed – 1,960 mg

Tumeric – 980 mg

Nettle – 860 mg

Protein: Amino acids are the primary constituents of all proteins, the difference being in their composition. There are nine amino acids that are not manufactured by the body and therefore must be acquired through one’s diet. They are referred to as the “essential amino acids” and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, thryptophan and valine. To ensure proper functioning of our bodies, we must consume adequate amounts of protein in our daily diets.

Herbs containing high levels (more than 27.6% per gram) of protein include:

Spirulina – 71.3%

Broccoli – 33%

Fenugreek – 30.6%

Vitamin A/Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A and is vital to the health of bone, teeth and connective tissue. The membrane of the epithelial cells comprising the skin and mucosal lings of the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tracts consist partly of Vitamin A. In addition, our bodies are also dependent upon this vitamin for its antioxidant properties.

Herbs containing high levels (more than 24,800 IU per 100 grams) of Vitamin A/Beta-carotene include:

Spirulina – 79,666 IU

Gotu Kola – 61,495 IU

Peppermint – 39,579 IU

Vitamin C: Numerous studies have demonstrated the necessity and benefits of Vitamin C and entire books have been written touting its benefits. Among these are its ability to speed wound healing, its role in metabolizing certain amino acids and folic acid, its potent antioxidant properties and its ability to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Herbs containing high levels (more than 450 mg per 100 grams) of Vitamin C include:

Acerola fruit – 14,800 mg

Rose Hips – 867 mg

Horseradish – 1,000 mg