AMSA UW

Cheeeeeyaaa.... check it out --> http://lettucelink.blogspot.com/2010/01/packing-seeds-for-spring.html

Unfortunately the only picture is of me (haha), but the point is, UW AMSA premed made a difference in Seattle's community ---- specifically families in poverty ---- by packing vegetable seeds to distribute out to food banks. Lettuce Link (the agency we worked with) strives to educate families in self-sustainment (growing own food) to reduce living costs yet be able to maintain access to healthy/nutritious foods!

Woo-hoo! 

Angela K. 

VP of Advocacy/Education

Here's what I learned from our MLK day of service project with Solid Ground-Lettuce LInk:

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Vitamin A: 

- keeps your skin smooth and the linings of mouth/nose/throat/lungs/intestines healthy

- need it for healthy eyes

- helps prevent certain types of cancer

- I could go into the biochemistry of this but.... know this for now!

B Vitamins:

- for energy!!! and more...

- insufficiency leads to anemia, diseases of the nervous system, mental confusion, and diarrhea

Vitamin C:

- strengthens the immune system to help prevent colds

- also helps prevent polio, certain types of cancer, and heart disease

- humans cannot make Vitamin C or store it in our body (water-soluble) and tus we must get it in our diets!

Calcium:

- important mineral for building strong bones and teeth

- only a tiny amount is necessary for our heart nerves, and muscles to work

Carbohydrates:

- body's main source of energy! then comes fats, and lastly proteins if we ever do need to break them down

- vital in immune system functioning and blood clotting

- helps reduce risk of heart disease or obesity (we're talking complex carbs!! not simple sugars...)

Fiber:

- "keeps you regular"

- may reduce the risk of colon cancer

- some types of fiber can help lower blood cholesterol!

- keeps digestive tract working smoothly

Folic Acid:

- also known as folate or folacin

- makes blood, builds cells

- women need this TREMENDOUSLY during pregnancy because the fetus is constantly growing!

- fetus cannot develop properly if mother lacks folate in her diet during pregnancy

Iron:

- mineral, important for red blood cells (RBC)

- carries oxygen from lungs to cells/muscles/organs

- without enough iron, organs cannot work properly and we feel tired, weak

- woman especially need iron because much blood is lost through menstruation

- pregnancy and breastfeeding also increase woman's need for iron

- some forms of iron may cause constipation, so if you're getting a supplement for it, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE NATURAL KIND!!

- high iron content in red meats.... stick with the lean ones

Magnesium:

- deficiency causes high blood pressure, insomnia, and muscle spasms....

- combination of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D will increase absorption/utilization of calcium for bones!

Potassium:

- micronutrient that maintains fluid and electrolyte balances in the body

- important for muscle contraction!

- muscle cramps occur because of lack of potassium in body

Selenium:

- may help fight certain types of cancer by enhancing the body's immune system!

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I hope everyone enjoyed this!

Best,

Angela K.

VP of Advocacy and Education