Strong Bones

A study suggests that "a diet laden with fruits and vegetables but relatively low in acid-producing protein and moderate in cereal grains could lead to stronger bones than the typical American diet." The theory is that proteins are rich in acid they introduce into the bloodstream. Bones are the storage tank for calcium compounds that regulate the acid-base balance of the blood (7.35-7.45), a very narrow range. When the blood becomes even slightly too acid, alkaline calcium compounds — like calcium carbonate — are leached from bones to reduce the acidity.

Those whose intake of Fruits and vegetables (introduce alkaline material into bloodstream) daily met the RDA, experienced much lower levels of calcium loss in the urine, as well as a loss of N-telopeptide, the biochemical marker of bone resorption. Those eating more protein raised the loss of calcium in urine, but also improved intestinal absorption of calcium and thus might not result in bone loss.

Except for hard cheeses, which are proteins, most dairy foods, including milk, are metabolized to compounds that are essentially neutral. Protein intake for an adult, measured as a percentage of ideal body weight translates to that for example a woman IBW 120 pounds(5ft 3inch tall)needs only 44 grams of protein a day."

Many Americans eat 200 pounds of meat/year which equates to a whopping 250 grams (or 1/2 lb) per day - six times the RDA!

#### area in quotation taken from NYTIMES.COM

Eggshells to Powdered Calcium Supplement
Besides eating just fruits and vegetables, I am exploring using our organic, cleaned and dried eggshells to supplement calcium in the diet.

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/supp2.php

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture "is profitable, protects the nation’s land and water and is a force for a rewarding way of life for farmers and ranchers whose quality products and operations sustain their communities and society." as defined by SARE.org

The greatest boost to our mission of providing alternative markets for small farmers came in the form of a grant from SARE - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Here is a link to the report we filed with them on our Farmers Frozen Foods product. We encourage you to use their site to find out more about sustainable agriculture and the benefits to our health and the environment!

http://www.sare.org/reporting/report_viewer.asp?pn=FNE06-566&ry=2007&rf=1

Anyone that has ideas to help farmers better sustain themselves and the Earth, should be encouraged to submit a grant proposal. Sare is eager to assist you.

I encourage consumers to access maps and lists of small farmers nearest their home so that they can purchase directly according to their needs. One small thing, such as eggs from a small farmer, is one less dollar allocated to the large commercial enterprises. Eggs, cheeses, meats, honey, maple syrup, vegetables, fruits...prepared foods, frozen foods, bulk foods...please let your farmer provide as much of this as possible.

Future postings will give farm listings by region in the Northeast States of NY, NJ, CT, Mass, and Vermont to help find your way and suggested resources to get you there.

Natural Vitamins

Allium
Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione (the tripeptide that is the liver's most potent antioxidant). Glutathione enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens.

Selenium
button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, cod, shrimp, snapper, tuna, halibut, calf's liver, salmon, and brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are one of the most concentrated food sources of selenium. Selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis, the self-destruct sequence the body uses to eliminate worn out or abnormal cells.

Suggestions on Snacks and Spices

Almonds - high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats.

Berries - Vitamin C–loaded fruit

Cinnamon -may prevent a postmeal insulin spike

Mustard and turmeric - may slow the growth of fat tissues

Oranges - contains fat-torching compounds called flavones.

Soybeans - rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits.

Sweet potatoes and winter squash - high in fiber

Swiss cheese - Swiss is a heavy hitter in calcium