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These are notes from The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray that I use to keep some nutritional information fresh in my mind

B12 is vital in nerve signaling, DNA synthesis, and is responsible for activating folic acid to help in those processes. Thus, a deficiency in B12 will lead to a deficiency in folic acid. Because of its’ role in nerve functioning and brain health, a deficiency in B12 can mimic Alzheimer’s in the elderly.

Although B12 is widely recognized as being only available in animal products (liver, fish, eggs, meat, cheese), it has been noted that fermented foods and nutritional yeast contain B12. However, there is some evidence that the form of B12 in those foods is not the form our bodies require. Supplementing B12 is a good option for those who don’t eat animal products.

As previously mentioned, folic acid works with B12 in many processes including DNA synthesis and especially cellular division. A deficiency in folic acid affects the rapidly dividing cells such as red blood cells and those of the GI tract.

Folic acid, B12 and betaine also reduce body concentrations of homocysteine. Homocysteine plays a role in the conversion of amino acids, however elevated levels of homocysteine promote atherosclerosis by damaging the arteries and osteoporosis by interfering with collagen formation in bones.

This year I tried something new. I let my kale plant go to seed, and harvested the seeds this summer for the next planting.

For those unfamiliar, kale has a two year life cycle. So if you plant a kale plant, leave it in the ground all winter. It will flower, and eventually those flowers will drop. Once that happens, you will notice pods starting to form.

Once the pods turned brown and papery, and were practically bursting open, I cut the kale plant at the stem, and put everything in an old pillow case. Then start rustling the pillow case to break open the pods. All of the kale seeds will collect at the bottom for planting next year!

Plants teach us patience. Day to day growth can be undetectable, until one day- we step back and take note of what progress and growth have occurred. Seeds contain within them all of the components and power necessary to blossom into their full expression. All they need is the right conditions, and time.

Similarly, humans need to submerge themselves in an environment where we can thrive and reach our full potential. Toxic relationships, toxic thoughts and the like will prevent humans from growth. We can become diseased like plants. We leave room for disease when we stay in unhealthy conditions for too long.

Notice how a plant placed next to a window will lean towards the light. It would be wise to take note of this tendency that plants have. They face the light and lean in. Plants will stretch themselves in order to survive and receive enough light. We too must stretch ourselves beyond what’s comfortable in an effort to receive enough light and positivity.

Plants shed old, dying leaves to make room for new growth. Imagine the faith required to trust when it’s time to let go. But they don’t fret and worry once they’ve let go, wondering if it was the right choice or the right timing. Shed old, dying habits, thoughts, limiting beliefs, relationships to make room for something better.

A plant’s strength is humble. It does not need to show you it’s strength. It’s always there.

If we pay attention closely, plants show us what they need. Plants show subtle signs of what they need: more light, more water, less water. I challenge you to take note of the subtleties of your mind, body, spirit to take note of what you need.

Perhaps most importantly, plants are giving in their nature. If you let vegetables growing in a garden continue to grow, you will find they produce many seeds. They give back, letting their seeds fall to the ground to start the process over again. If you prune a fruit tree, it will encourage new growth and produce more. If you give, you make room to create more to give. What a brilliant design!