So. California Institute of Clinical Nutrition

Vitamin L

By Dr. Laura Thompson

Vitamin L, the Most Important Nutrient

In honor of Valentine's day and inspired by all the mothers and cooks of the world, today's newsletter is about Vitamin L - LOVE. It's what's missing in most of food we eat today. And it's the most vital nutrient. It's easy to access, simple to include it every recipe, bite or morsel, and - it is free!

Enjoy!

Dr. Laura Thompson
Naturopathic Endocrinolist
Family Nutritionist

Author of Our Children Are ... What Our Children Eat

Vitamin L deficiency is the most devastating deficiency there is. It causes nutritional deficiencies, cravings and low physical and mental energy. We try to take care of ourselves the best we can, but the simple truth is that there is very little love left in our food today. We don't take the time to include it. Including love in your food may take some preparation, but mostly, it is a state of mind. Do we care what we eat and how we feel? Do we care what our children eat?

For the most part, we are feeding our children love-less food. It has no chutzpa - no pizzazz, and very little life. Spices and sugar won't do it. We love our children and demonstrate it in so many ways, but life in the fast lane leaves little love in its fast food. Our hands may never touch the food our children eat.

Times have changed and so have today's families. What a job we have today, juggling schedules of work, school, outside activities and home life! When families suffer from time crunch, meals unfortunately suffer with them. Nutrition heads downhill and children's health follows close behind.

People stand in front of their microwaves and complain they are too slow! With no time to cook, we resort to what's fast and easy, and often nutrient-depleted. Fast food restaurants, frozen foods, and quick meals have replaced well-planned and nutritious family meals prepared with loving hands.

I know it sounds corny - loving hands. But, the truth is that the energy of our food and how it is prepared is perceived by the eater.

Here's how to get more Vitamin L in your food:

Make your own food. Think about it and plan it -- or just be spontaneous.
Plant a garden -- grow your own vegetables or herbs. If you don't have land on which to grow the food, try using potted plants for tomatoes, herbs, and other vegetables.
Care for your trees, pick the fruit, eat the fruit - or buy homegrown, organic fruits.
Some people pray over their food, or simply send good vibes. Some people who use Reiki energy (calming, balancing hands-on transmitted), actually "Reiki their food".

Whatever it takes. Whatever feels good and nourishing to you.

Eat foods that contain high Vitamin L:
Mashes potatoes, mashed the old fashioned way
Meat loaf, mixed by hand
Chopped veggie salad
Julienned, steamed veggies
Soups, hmmm!
Wholesome food that you take the time to chop, mix, blend, sauté, steam, bake or broil.
Wholesome food that is carefully and healthily prepared in a restaurant. (I can think of 2 restaurants that I frequent, because the food is fresh and much care has gone into the preparation. It has that extra certain something!)

Lets put Vitamin L back into our lives. It makes food more nutritious and delicious, and is one way of showing love, far beyond what words can express.

Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.

Back to Articles