Why You Need Vitamin L

A little known or researched vitamin of tremendous importance is vitamin L. It’s more commonly referred to as love.

Nutrition covers so many dietary theories, calories, macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients relating to food, but having a truly nourished life involves soul-food. Despite what you may think, soul-food is not actually food.

Naturally increasing your vitamin L can involve anything that completely absorbs you. Activities can include:

• A conversation with a loved one
• Building something out of your own creation
• Painting by yourself or in a group
• Running or anything that feels like you are taking time for yourself
• Pursuing meaningful work

This is soul-food. The best known source for the elusive yet necessary vitamin L. One of the best ways to get more Vitamin L is to give it. Let someone know how much you appreciate them. Send a cute package. Give a hug. Reach out and help spread the vitamin L!

Food Focus: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delightful food that can add sweetness and nutrients to any meal. Sweet potatoes are a great source of something we call beta-carotene. In the body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy bones and vision. In addition, Vitamin A also supports a healthy immune system. Since Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, eating your sweet potato with some healthy fat will increase your body’s ability to absorb it. Try mixing in some olive oil to your sweet potato to enhance your body’s absorption ability.

Sweet potatoes are also filled with Vitamin C, Manganese, and antioxidants. I encourage you to eat the skin because it contains additional nutrients! Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate providing lots of fiber for your diet. The fiber will keep you fuller longer as well as help lower your cholesterol. This is a great alternative to a regular potato because it contains many more nutrients. In addition, there are a bunch of fun recipes you can create with sweet potatoes.