Category Archives: Nutrition
FATS, often referred to as lipids, are an integral part of our diet. In fact, we often consume too much of it, or the wrong kinds of fats. (click on any picture for larger image) The body utilizes fats in various ways. For example: As phospholipids, cholesterols, and glycolipids, they form cell membranes. As sterol lipids, [...]
Carbohydrates are a readily available source of energy for the body. (click on any picture below for larger image) As monosaccharides, they provide simple sugars such as glucose (blood sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), galactose (milk sugar), and ribose (the backbone of RNA). As disaccharides, the more complex carbohydrates make up sucrose (table sugar = glucose + [...]
Proteins are made up of various amino acids specific to the structure and function of the protein. Proteins are the end product, amino acids their individual constituents. Amino acids derive their specificity from the “R” group, seen on the left, with a white background. (click on image for larger view) While the body can make some of [...]
There are many types of PROTEINS (click on picture for larger image). All of them play essential roles in the body’s metabolism, and thus health. Most of us think of proteins for building muscle size and strength. However, proteins do much more than that. While the body “manufactures” the proteins, it needs the individual units [...]
SPICES and HERBS have been used in cooking since antiquity. Not only do they add flavor to any food, but spices and herbs have a variety of medicinal actions that help to support our health. Moreover, many of them are antimicrobial, destroying bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and worms.
The vast majority of STROKES are due to a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the brain depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries of the brain), blood clots in the arteries of the brain, or dislodged blood clots (emboli) that travel to the brain from the aorta, the common carotid [...]
HEADACHES (Tension Headaches, Migraines, and Cluster Headaches) may be triggered by artificial light, too much sunlight, drafts, cold air, excess noise, stale (indoor) air, air pollution, smoke, exposure to chemicals food sensitivities additives in foods and water
This entry is part 1 of 13 in the series Vitamins: Catalysts for HealthVITAMIN A is absolutely essential for the ability to see. Stressors, such as too much reading, computer work, long driving, and poor lighting, exhaust our stores of this vitamin. The need for glasses or contacts usually arises within a few years of when [...]
SODIUM, linked with chloride in the form of sodium chloride, works hand-in-hand with potassium to promote nerve conduction, and hence, life sustaining processes. By adjusting levels of intra- and extracellular sodium levels, the body attempts to maintain optimal blood volume. Too high a blood volume results in hypertension (high blood pressure), while too low a [...]
MAGNESIUM is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats necessary for energy production. Moreover, this multi-talented mineral supports the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids (the building blocks of our DNA). Magnesium also supports the structural integrity of bone, cell membranes, and chromosomes. Furthermore, it enhances cell signaling (communication),
Building Blocks of the Body — Fats/Oils