By Elaine Kelly
Have you ever had your hair tested? Your next thought might be, why would I do that? Well, it turns out, your hair is the best indicator of long-term mineral and metal levels in your body. I decided to have it done a few months ago and what I discovered really surprised me. I was deficient in Molybdenum, Iodine and copper. I was shocked! I also had no idea how to even pronounce the first one, let alone what it’s function was. Read on to find out what I discovered and what plant-based sources I now take to ensure I get them back to normal levels.
Have you ever had your hair tested? Your next thought might be, why would I do that? Well, it turns out, your hair is the best indicator of long-term mineral and metal levels in your body. I decided to have it done a few months ago and what I discovered really surprised me. I was deficient in Molybdenum, Iodine and copper. I was shocked! I also had no idea how to even pronounce the first one, let alone what it’s function was. Read on to find out what I discovered and what plant-based sources I now take to ensure I get them back to normal levels.
Molybdenum is a trace mineral which helps to break down sulfates or preservatives used in our food and wine. It also prevent the build-up of uric acid in the body which cause bunions. I see a lot of bunions on the feet of my female yoga students. You need 45 micrograms a day but deficiency is rare. Best source is Lima beans, named after the place they originated in Peru! One cup has 313% of your daily requirement and 49% of the copper you need. Also known as butter beans, these kidney shaped beans are packed with nutrients and also have 14g of protein per cup! For my butter bean corn chowder recipe, just send me an email.
Iodine is essential for proper function of our thyroid gland. The thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine which they then use it to convert into hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid produces 80% of all hormones in the body, so it’s really important. Because of wide spread deficiencies, all table salts have added Iodine since the 1920s. I gave up table salt years ago and switched to sea salt – so no iodine! I also developed a goiter in my throat when I was 18 which was cut out. If only someone had told me it was because of Iodine, I might have been able to shrink it. We need 150 micrograms a day. Best and only plant-based source is dulse or nori, yes you guessed it – dried seaweed. I now munch on a piece of dried dulse once a day which gives me all I need.
Copper is essential for absorbing iron in the gut. No copper, no absorption. It is needed to make ATP which is the energy in the cell for mitochondrial health. It is also required to make melanin, the skin and hair pigment. If it is low this can lead to premature greying. We need 900 mcgs a day. Best source of plant-based copper is, wait for it, dark chocolate!!! 85 % cocoa is best. I also bought a beautiful copper water bottle and fill it up and drink from it while at home. I will re-test myself in 3 months and see if this has done the trick.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Interested in learning more about plant-based whole food eating, check out my upcoming workshops or join my private facebook group, Vegan yogini cooking club.