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IRON
Post Views: 1,141 Iron has been a part of Indian kitchens since ancient civilization. The iron implements made their appearance in India between 1300-1000 BC. Soon cooking utensils made from iron were introduced. Iron is a mineral that is required to maintain healthy blood. It is an essential component of haemoglobin (a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the different parts of the body). We all associate iron with its presence in blood and that its deficiency results in low haemoglobin levels and hence anemia. In humans, the total quantity of iron in the body varies with haemoglobin concentration, body weight, gender, and the amount of…
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VITAMIN C
Post Views: 951 Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to the body. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C in the body. Hence, it is an essential dietary component. Since it is water-soluble, the human body cannot store vitamin C as a reserve. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a daily intake of Vitamin C. Linus Pauling in the 1970’s promoted daily megadose intake of Vitamin C (12 – 24 oranges) to prevent colds and coughs. Why is Vitamin C is essential for the human body? Vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections and healing wounds and is a powerful…
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SELENIUM
Post Views: 491 Selenium is a non-metallic element that is essential for human health. Approximately 30% of selenium is present in the liver, 30% in muscle, 15% in the kidney, and 10% in the blood plasma. In the body, it is bound to selenium-binding proteins. Selenium plays a key role in the immune system functioning and the progression of HIV to AIDS. Why is Selenium essential for the human body? Selenium functions in the human body through seleno-proteins, most of which are oxidant-defense enzymes. Other selenium-associated proteins regulate the action of thyroid hormones, Vitamin C, and other molecules. Out of the 35 seleno-proteins present in the body, 3 play an…
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VITAMIN E
Post Views: 851 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in 8 different forms. All eight forms of Vitamin E can be absorbed in the small intestine but, only alpha-tocopherol can be metabolized by the liver can metabolize, while the remaining forms are excreted. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can protect cells from free radical damage. It is a lipid-soluble nutrient and, may play a role in reducing atherosclerosis and lowering rates of ischemic heart disease. Premature infants and newborn babies have low vitamin E reserves as only small amounts of vitamin E can cross the placenta. What are the important functions of Vitamin E in our…
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COPPER
Post Views: 402 Copper is a mineral found in electrical wires. But it is also essential for the human body. It is the third most abundant dietary metal after iron and zinc. Copper is an essential mineral naturally present in some foods, drinking water and is also available as a dietary supplement. It is a constituent of many enzymes, and the human body needs it to produce both red and white blood cells. Why is Copper essential for the body? Copper is involved in energy production and iron metabolism. The body needs copper to utilize iron efficiently, and it is essential for infant growth, brain development, building the immune system,…
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CALCIUM
Post Views: 370 Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body. It represents 52% of the body’s total mineral content and amounts to 1,2% of the total body weight. Nearly 99% of the total calcium is found in the skeleton. The remaining 1% is equally distributed in the teeth, soft tissues, and extracellular fluid. Calcium is found in some foods, present in some medicines (such as antacids), and available as a dietary supplement. Why is calcium essential for the human body? Calcium is most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays a vital role in blood clotting, regulating the heart rhythm, aiding muscles…
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BIOTIN
Post Views: 534 Biotin or Vitamin B7 is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in some foods and also available as a dietary supplement. The name “biotin” comes from the Greek word “biotos” which means “sustenance” or “life-giving.” Vitamin B7 is critical as it assists enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food. It helps to regulate the signals sent by cells and the activity of genes. This water-soluble vitamin B offers a variety of health benefits. It helps maintain the health of the skin, hair, eyes, nervous system, and liver. Why is Biotin necessary for the body? Biotin for Hair: Biotin is known for its positive…
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ZINC
Post Views: 761 Zinc is a mineral. It is an essential trace element as very small amounts of zinc are necessary for the human body. The human body cannot store excess zinc hence, it must be consumed regularly as part of the daily diet. Why is Zinc essential for the body? Zinc is the most abundant intracellular trace element. It has been estimated that a newborn child contains approximately 60 mg of zinc. During growth and maturation, the zinc concentration of the human body increases to approximately 30 mcg. The adult total body zinc content ranges from about 1.5 g in women to 2.5 g in men. Wound Healing: Zinc…
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Vitamin A
Post Views: 1,291 Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient for the human body. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble it is stored in the body’s fat tissue for later use. Vitamin A is a collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds namely, retinol and retinyl esters (preformed vitamin A) and carotene (provitamin A). Preformed Vitamin A is mainly found in animal products, while carotene is found predominantly in plant foods. Why is Vitamin A essential for our body? Vitamin A is essential for vision, cell growth, immune function, and the development of the foetus. Vitamin A for eyes: Vitamin A is most vital for eye health…
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D-LIGHTFUL FACTS ON VITAMIN D
Post Views: 1,030 In India, 70-80% of the general population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency. In spite of having abundant sunshine, India has a high percentage of Vitamin D deficiency amongst all age groups. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition and that’s probably because it’s available for FREE! Here are a few amazing facts on this valuable vitamin: Vitamin D is produced by our skin in response to exposure to the ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from natural sunlight. These healing rays of natural sunlight (that produce vitamin D) cannot penetrate through glass. So, we cannot generate vitamin D…
