Veggies down under

TV never captured my attention like the computer has, and now I am most captivated by blogs. I get caught up in the food/veg/nutrition blogseach one linking to more, and there are many, many good ones...so many blogs, so many recipes, so little time! My latest discovery is written by a naturopath in Australia, Limes & Lycopene. Once you adjust to the inversion of the seasons, you'll find someone you wish could by your own doctor. What caught my attention was the Aussie version of the "eat your veggies, 2006" advice -- pinning it down to 2 fruits and 5 vegetables a day seems to make it more realistic. Remember that a "serving" is often smaller than you think, eat vegetable soups for 2 or 3 servings, snack on fruit...keep watermelon cool, not cold for the highest lycopene content (and holding it after picking increases nutrients!)... Check it out.

Food and herbs are by far the best sources of nutrition, with new information on the benefits announced faster than I can keep track. You can use supplements to boost your "servings" -- just keep in mind that they are supplemental. FrequenSea has the primal sea plankton (source of Omega 3's and sunlight nutrients), Goji is a fabulous berry that nurtures, energizes, heals; greens in powders or capsules have been joined by reds, purples, blues, yellows, whites have every fruit and vegetable we'd hope to eat. A mix of these with fiber, flax-borage oil and cal-mag powder is my breakfast on work days and keeps me satisfied all morning.

What about potassium? We need a lot of it, and certain medications deplete it, sometimes dangerously. Should you take potassium in capsules? Since the amount of potassium is limited to 99 mg/capsule, I prefer to get mine, bountiful and safe, from food. Outstanding sources are acorn squash, leafy greens and dried beans. Bananas and oranges? Good, but lower amounts. Just another reason to remember, 2 fruits and 5 veg.