| YES | NO |
|---|---|
| eggs (whisked, no shell) | lettuce, salad greens |
| tofu, tempeh | cucumber |
| cooked beans, lentils | raw tomatoes |
| berries, pineapple, mango, peeled bananas | watermelon |
| spinach, kale | citrus slices |
| broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (blanch first) | whole eggs in shell |
| peas, corn, green beans | cream sauces |
| chopped onions, bell peppers | sour cream |
| bread, buns, tortillas, wraps | cream cheese |
| cooked rice, quinoa, oats | raw potatoes |
| flour | plain cooked pasta |
| butter | fried foods |
| hard cheese (texture may change) | mayonnaise |
| milk, plant milk (shake after thawing) | gelatin desserts |
| soups, stews, curries | soft herbs unless in oil |
| tomato sauce, pesto | coffee |
| cookie dough, pancake batter | |
| herbs frozen in oil |
Category: NEW
Chloride
What does chloride do?
Chloride is an essential electrolyte that maintains body fluid balance, pH levels, and aids digestion (via hydrochloric acid in the stomach). Mainly consumed as salt (sodium chloride), it supports nerve/muscle cell function. High levels (hyperchloremia) cause dehydration or kidney issues, while low levels (hypochloremia) may cause weakness or irritability. As a major electrolyte (primarily in extracellular fluid), it works with sodium and potassium to balance fluids and maintain electric neutrality. It is critical for producing stomach acid for digestion and aids oxygen/carbon dioxide flow.
How much do I need?
Adequate Intake for adults is 2.3 grams daily.
Are supplements recommended?
Chloride imbalances, whether high or low levels are generally managed by addressing the underlying cause, such as rehydration, adjusting medication, or intravenous fluids,
What are some good plant food sources of chloride?
Primarily found in table salt (sodium chloride), but also in SEAWEED, TOMATOES, LETTUCE, CELERY, OLIVES.
Chloride-Rich Plant Foods
Lettuce Facts
Lettuce is rich in antioxidants, folates, and Vitamins A and K.
Tomato Facts
Tomatoes provide significant amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, folate, lycopene, and Vitamin K1
Celery Facts
Celery provides 37% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels.
Zucchini with Cheese Stuffing
Healthy and delicious, stuffed zucchini can be an entree or a side dish. Substitute non-dairy cheese for a vegan alternative.
| PREP 30 min | BAKE 15 min | 410° F | SERVES 4 |
PREP 30 min / BAKE 15 min / TEMP 410° F / SERVES 4
- INGREDIENTS
- 2 zucchini
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30 ml
- 1/2 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 5 oz fresh goat cheese 150 grams
- 2 cups finely grated Manchego cheese 220 grams
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme .45 grams
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley 8 grams
- sea salt & black pepper
- INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash and pat dry 2 zucchinis. Cut the ends off and halve them lengthwise.
- Using a spoon remove the pulp from the zucchini, leaving a border at each end of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), season the insides of the zucchini with sea salt and place face down on a wire rack with paper towels underneath, reserve the pulp of zucchini
- Heat a fry pan with a medium heat and add 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, after 2 minutes add in 1/2 onion finely diced and 3 cloves garlic roughly minced, mix with the olive oil, after 3 minutes and the onion is translucent, add in the pulp of zucchini (add to a sieve first and using a spoon push down on it to remove any excess water), cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the zucchini pulp is translucent and lightly sauteed, then add in 1/2 tsp (.45 grams) dried thyme and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together and turn off the heat
- Crumble in 5 ounces (150 grams) fresh goat cheese into the vegetables, 2 cups (220 grams) finely grated Manchego cheese and 2 tbsp (8 grams) freshly chopped parsley, mix everything together until well mixed and you end up with a paste like texture, set aside
- After leaving the zucchinis to rest for 30 minutes, remove from the wire rack, using paper towels pat dry the insides of the zucchini to remove any excess water and salt
- Start adding the cheese mixture into the zucchinis, making sure to push down on the mixture as you add it so it´s well compacted
- Transfer the stuffed zucchinis into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, sprinkle the tops of each one with some finely grated Manchego cheese
- Add into a preheated oven, bake + broil option 210 C – 410 F
- After 15 minutes remove from the oven and let the stuffed zucchinis rest at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes so the stuffing can settle, then add into a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley
Zucchini Facts
Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cooked zucchini is particularly high in vitamin A. It is rich in water and fiber, promoting healthy digestion. Zucchini’s fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing risk of type 2 diabetes. Zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors…
Garlic Facts
Garlic has been used as a traditional medicine as well as a food flavoring. It is a healthy and delicious addition to many dishes around the world. Its medicinal benefits for both cure and prevention require larger doses, which should be taken with the supervision and advice of a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
Add one more superfood to your menu
You probably include some superfoods in your meals already, but there may be room for improvement. Superfoods are nutrient-dense, whole foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health, reduce disease risk, and boost energy. While technically a marketing term rather than a medical definition, incorporating foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon provides significant health benefits. Here are 10 superfoods identified in a 2022 article on the Harvard Medical School Health Publishing website:
- Berries. High in fiber, berries are naturally sweet, and their rich colors mean they are high in antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients.
- Fish. Fish can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease.
- Leafy greens. Dark, leafy greens are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, as well as several phytochemicals (chemicals made by plants that have a positive effect on your health). They also add fiber into the diet.
- Nuts. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans — nuts are a good source of plant protein. They also contain monounsaturated fats, which may be a factor in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Olive oil. Olive oil is a good source of vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids, all which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Whole grains. A good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, whole grains also contain several B vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They have been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and diabetes.
- Yogurt. A good source of calcium and protein, yogurt also contains live cultures called probiotics. These “good bacteria” can protect the body from other, more harmful bacteria.
- Cruciferous vegetables. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, and turnips. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals including indoles, thiocyanates, and nitriles, which may prevent against some types of cancer.
- Legumes. This broad category includes kidney, black, red, and garbanzo beans, as well as soybeans and peas. Legumes are an excellent source of fiber, folate, and plant-based protein. Studies show they can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Tomatoes. These are high in vitamin C and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Chickpea Salad
It’s not a coincidence if this healthy chickpea mixture reminds you of a tuna salad you remember from childhood!
PREP min / SERVES
- INGREDIENTS
- 15 oz canned CHICKPEAS, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 c finely chopped CELERY
- 1/4 c finely chopped RED ONION
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/3 c AGUAFABA, reserved from chickpea can
- 2 Tbsp DIJON MUSTARD
- 1 tsp LEMON JUICE
- 1/2 tsp DRIED DILL (or 2 tsp FRESH DILL)
- Few pinches of SEAWEED FLAKES (optional)
- BLACK PEPPER, to taste
- DIRECTIONS
- Mash about half the CHICKPEAS
- Stir in CELERY, ONION, and PARSLEY
- In a separate bowl, mix AGUAFABA, DIJON MUSTARD, LEMON JUICE, DILL, SEAWEED FLAKES, and BLACK PEPPER
- Pour the mustard sauce onto the chickpea mixture and mix until well-coated
Zinc
What does zinc do?
Zinc aids growth, DNA synthesis, and immune function. Zinc is an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it. Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing, and improve acne symptoms.
How much do I need?
Th RDA is 11 mg for males and 8 mg for females (11 mg in pregnancy and 12mg in lactation).
What are some good plant food sources of zinc?
Beans, seeds, and nuts are rich in zinc.
| Plant-based food souruces of zinc | serving | %DV OF ZINC |
|---|---|---|
| baked beans | 1/2 cup | 26 |
| dried pumpkin seeds | 1 oz | 20 |
| dry roasted cashews | 1 oz | 15 |
| cooked chickpeas | 1/2 cup | 12 |
| dry roasted almonds | 1 oz | 8 |
| cooked kidney beans | 1/2 cup | 8 |
| cooked green peas | 1/2 cup | 5 |
Are supplements recommended?
Most people meet the RDA of 11 mg for males and 8 mg for females through diet, but older adults, those following restrictive diets, and people with conditions that inhibit zinc absorption may need to supplement. Because high dose zinc supplements can lead to dangerous side effects, it’s important to stick to recommendations and only take supplements when necessary.
Zinc-Rich Foods and Recipes
Chickpea (Garbanzo) Facts
The chickpea, an annual legume, is high in protein.
Almond Facts
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese Almond is the edible seed of Prunus dulcis, a species of tree native to Iran but widely cultivated elsewhere. It is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell surrounding the seed. Almonds are sold shelled…
Cashew Facts
Cashews pack 67% of the daily copper requirement, needed to form red blood cells.