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VITAMIN B3
Post Views: 771 Vitamin B3 or Niacin is one of the eight water-soluble B-vitamins. Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are the two most common forms of niacin found in food and supplements. Vitamin B3 helps to convert nutrients into energy and create cholesterol and fats. It also plays a role in the repair of DNA and has antioxidant effects. Why is vitamin B3 essential to the human body? Improves blood cholesterol levels Niacin helps in improving blood cholesterol levels. Niacin increases HDL levels and protects heart health. Vitamin B3 is essential for reducing levels of LDL and VLDL. Controlling Blood Pressure Niacin enhances the release of prostaglandins that help dilate blood…
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PHOSPHORUS
Post Views: 1,111 Phosphorus is the second most abundant element in the human body. It comprises 30% of the total mineral content. Most phosphorus in the body is stored in the bone and teeth in an inorganic metal state. The remaining 15% is distributed in soft tissues in both organic and inorganic forms. An adult human body contains approximately 600 g of phosphorus. Why is Phosphorus essential to the human body? Phosphorus has a crucial role in the formation of bones and teeth.Phosphorus and calcium are interrelated. Vitamin D and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulate the metabolism of both these minerals. Additionally, phosphorus and calcium make up the main structural…
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VITAMIN K
Post Views: 431 Vitamin K is an essential micronutrient belonging to the family of fat-soluble vitamins. It exists in two forms – phylloquinone and menaquinones. Vitamin K helps in wound healing by its blood clotting mechanisms. There is also evidence that vitamin K plays a vital role in bone metabolism and regulating blood calcium levels. Why is vitamin k essential to the human body? Blood coagulation: The primary function of vitamin K in the body is the maintenance of normal blood coagulation. Synthesis of proteins: Vitamin K functions as a coenzyme for the synthesis of proteins involved in hemostasis (blood clotting) and bone metabolism. Vitamin K is also involved in…
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IODINE
Post Views: 467 Iodine, also called iodide, is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and ocean waters. About 70 -80% of the total iodine (15 -20 mg) found in the human body is present in the thyroid gland. Iodine derives its nutritional importance as a constituent of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are indispensable for normal growth and development in humans. An adequate quantity of iodine is essential in the diet to ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Why is iodine essential to the human body? Iodine is an essential part of the thyroid hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a key role…
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VITAMIN B5
Post Views: 617 Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic acid, one of the 8 B-vitamins essential to the human body. The word pantothenic comes from the Greek word ‘pantos’ which means “from everywhere.” This vitamin is present in a large variety of foods. Like other B-vitamins, this too is a water-soluble vitamin and hence, needs to be consumed daily. Why is Vitamin B5 essential to the human body? Pantothenic acid helps in the breakdown of fats. Research suggests, that it has a potential role in reducing cholesterol levels in people who have dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Vitamin B5 is used to make coenzyme A (CoA), a chemical compound that helps…
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MANGANESE
Post Views: 842 Manganese (Mn) is a transition element and can assume 11 different oxidation states. An adult man weighing 70 kg is estimated to contain 10-20 mg of the metal, with 25% of the total body stores in the skeleton. Relatively high amounts of the minerals are also present in the liver, pancreas, and intestine. Why is Manganese essential for the human body? Manganese is a cofactor for many enzymes. Through the action of these enzymes, it helps in the metabolism of: – amino acid – cholesterol – glucose – carbohydrate It also plays a crucial role in bone formation, reproduction, and immune response. Manganese also plays a vital…
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FOLIC ACID
Post Views: 677 Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, which includes naturally occurring food folate and folic acid in supplements and fortified foods. The term folic acid relates specifically to the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin synthesized for commercial use in supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is required for the multiplication of red blood cells. It is one of the 2 vitamins associated with megaloblastic anemia (along with Vitamin B12). Why is Folic acid essential for the body? Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for good health. Folate helps to form DNA and RNA and is involved in protein metabolism. Folate is also…
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CHROMIUM
Post Views: 832 Chromium is an essential trace mineral that the body needs in small amounts. The kidneys, followed by the spleen, liver, lungs, heart, and skeletal muscle are the tissues with the greatest chromium concentration. Chromium helps in reducing the blood glucose concentration in people with high glucose levels and an increase in those with low blood glucose levels. Why is Chromium essential for the human body? Chromium exists in several oxidation states but only the trivalent form is biologically important to humans. The active form of chromium known as GTF (Glucose Tolerance factor) potentiates the action of insulin and thus influences carbohydrate, lipid, and insulin metabolism in the…
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VITAMIN B1
Post Views: 1,354 Vitamin B1 also, known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is one of eight essential B vitamins that has many important functions in the body. Thiamine plays a crucial role in the growth and function of various cells. A daily intake of thiamine-rich foods is needed since only a small amount is stored in the liver. The vitamin has a short half-life, so a continuous supply of foods rich in vitamin B1 is required from the diet. Why is Vitamin B1 essential for the human body? Thiamine plays an important metabolic role in the cellular production of energy, mainly in glucose metabolism. It helps the body…
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IRON
Post Views: 1,261 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…
