Column #111

Animals eat to obtain energy and the nutrients for body maintenance, lactation, and growth.

Humans, like all animals, require a broad spectrum of nutrients (elements and chemical compounds), some of which must be in balance with others. Some nutrients are essential, many are synthesized from the basic chemistry of the foods consumed, and others are automatically regulated.

Essential nutrients include water, nine amino acids, two fatty acids, thirteen vitamins, and fifteen minerals. The diet must also provide specific elements and chemical compounds in order for the body to synthesize its additional critical needs. Consequently, the totality of nutrients in the diet is extremely important. Deficiencies matter.

Bodies self-regulate body mass, body fat, water, salinity, acidity, temperature, and other factors as it adjusts to the internal and external environment. It does this in order to maintain dynamic equilibrium (homeostasis). Bodies continuously rebuild themselves by breaking down and building up tissues. This constant process replaces some tissues every few days while some take years. Ideally the flow of proper nutrients should be consistent to optimize these events.

The question then becomes “What are the best foods for fuel and maintenance?”

Leaves, not seeds, are the foundation food for animal life. Plants, through photosynthesis, are the only sustainable life form because they harness light from the sun and they independently produce carbohydrates and biochemical energy. Plants also absorb many elements from the sea or the soil which the cells in the leaves synthesize into vitamins, fats, amino acids, and other essential nutrients.

Animals require the full spectrum of nutrients present in leaves. From the beginning, green leaves--a renewable food source--were at the bottom of the food chain. As plants and animals have matured into what they are today, the animal kingdom’s dependence on plants has remained constant.

Seeds and nuts are static entities. They are not renewable, don’t use photosynthesis, nor do they create vitamins, fats, amino acids, or other essential nutrients. This is why their nutrient profiles differ from green leaves. When animals are fed seeds and nuts, rather than green leaves, nutritional deficiencies and/or overdoses result.

A very excellent report, Nutrient Value of Leaf Versus Seed by Marvin Edelman and Monica Colt, outlines the many differences between leaves and seeds. It concludes that because of health issues created by seed-dominated diets, there is a trend back toward leaf-based foods.

The very best leaf-based foods are grass-fed meats, Omega-3 meats, and wild-caught seafood. Meats are easier to digest than plants. Also, animals that graze green leaves have all of the essential nutrients, fats, and proteins in perfect balance along with their already synthesized nutrients. Their proteins are perfect building blocks and their fats are perfect energy sources. Their less than 2:1 balances of Omega-6 to Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) support the immune system, brain function, and nerves.

When humans consume carbohydrates and sugars for energy, they tend to get cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and become obese. Seeds, nuts, fruit, and grain-fed meats have EFA balances above 15:1 on average. Ratios above 4:1 are associated with autoimmune diseases. Obviously these nutrient differences underscore the necessity for having the green leaf at the bottom of the food chain to properly fuel and maintain optimal body function.

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

For additional reading:

Nutrient Value of Leaf Versus Seed by Marvin Edelman and Monica Colt

Saturated Fat Is Not the Major Issue by Dr Aseem Malhotra

An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity by Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D.

The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6/omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids by Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D.

Essential Nutrient from Wikipedia

Human Nutrition from Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Man Is an Extension of the Leafy, Green Plant by Ted Slanker

It All Began in the Sea . . .  By Ted Slanker