nutrient rich® healthy eating

muscles and other tissues must now “gear up” enzymes and metabolic co-factors to

synthesize all these substances on their own.

In doing so, it MAY be that, after 30+ years of not having to synthesize these molecules, the liver,

muscles and other organs may be unable to adequately create these substances in the quantities

required for that individual to experience optimal function of all organs. As a result, the body’s

vital tissues may find themselves functioning with sub-optimal amounts of particular nutrients.

This could theoretically result in lower muscle mass and/or suboptimal function.

Similarly, the mineral atoms, like zinc, copper, magnesium, essential for enzyme function and so

on, which were so easily absorbed from meats and eggs, must now be wrestled away from the

plant fibers to which they are firmly attached. Remember, the old adage “you are what you eat”

is not exactly true. In actuality, you are what you ABSORB—and it is unfortunately easier to

absorb zinc and magnesium from a piece of steak than it is from a piece of kale.

This places upon plant-eaters the responsibility to do all they can to assure more efficient

mineral absorption—namely, to chew each mouthful of kale or broccoli to a puree before

swallowing, in order to rupture the cellulose membranes that surround each cell and thus

liberate the contained nutrients for absorption.

In this high-pressure modern world, where, it seems, we all have a plane to catch or a meeting to

attend, we throw down our meals with a couple of desultory chews, and much of the minerals

we eat in the plant foods may pass through our digestive tract without ever making it into our

bloodstream.

Another factor that conspires to further reduce mineral absorption: the high-fiber quality of a

plant-based diet. While excellent for bowel health and weight loss, plant fiber and phytates

(which also have health-promoting properties) not only hold the minerals in tight bondage, but

hurries the food mass through the intestinal tract. This is great for regularity, but not so great

for mineral absorption—especially for zinc and magnesium. 158

As the food mass is pushed quickly through the intestines, there is less physical time for mineral

absorption to occur. The net effect works against good mineral balance, and it may be that

people who eat mostly raw plant foods—especially if they do not chew their food sufficiently –

may draw down upon the minerals in their cells. As the years go by, they may be faced with sub-

optimal levels of the tissue minerals required to make essential enzyme reactions function

optimally—possibly leading to fatigue and sub-optimal physical performance.

(^158) Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1627S-1633S. Epub 2009 Mar 11. Health effects of Vegan diets. Craig WJ. Department
of Nutrition and Wellness, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI, USA.