Fascinating Nutrition Facts

by Lisa Golebieski, MS

By now, we all know we should be eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep, but there are some surprising nutrition facts you may find fascinating.

Here are a few I’d like to share:

Many members of the cabbage family contain goitrogens, these are naturally occurring substances that may interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. People with hypothyroidism should only consume cabbage on a moderate level. There is no negative impact on those who have a normal thyroid.
Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish, has bioactive chemicals called isothiocyanates which have significant health benefits as an anti-inflammatory and may protect against stomach cancer.
Mangoes contain urushinol, a toxic resin that can cause contact dermatitis. The peel and the juice have the highest amount and eating mangoes in excess could cause itching or skin eruptions.
All citrus fruits in the orange family contain a flavonoid called nobiletin which can help prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting macrophage foam cell formation….aka….reducing plaque in the arteries.
Sesame seeds contain large amounts of copper; therefore, those with Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver) should avoid consuming them.
Ginger can increase the absorption of medications (i.e. if a drug causes sleepiness, it can increase that feeling and make you sleep longer). Ginger also thins the blood which in some cases is a positive thing but for those who take Coumadin or aspirin, only small amounts of ginger should be carefully consumed.
In homeopathy, Oregano (an Italian food staple), is often used to increase sexual excitability. Might want to add an extra dash to your pizza or pasta sauce!
Large amounts of both Rosemary and Sage should be avoided during pregnancy as they are uterine stimulants. Sage can also decrease breast milk.
Sesame oil is the most esteemed seed oil for massage. Its unique ability to penetrate the skin easily, allows for detoxification and nourishment of even the deepest tissue layers.
Blackstrap molasses may help prevent gray hair. Copper deficiency may lead to premature graying and blackstrap molasses is rich in copper as well as iron, B vitamins, calcium and potassium….many of which help nourish the hair.

And there you have it….some fascinating facts you may or may not already heard of. Nutrition is a science that is always in research to discover what is best for your body and what to avoid. The more we learn about how food affects our lives on an everyday basis, the smarter we will become in making the right choices for our health and longevity.

Choose Smart…..Eat Well …..For Life

Lisa Golebieski, MS Holistic Nutrition Consultant

NUTRITIOUSLY HOLISTIC