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THE ESSENCE OF MICRONUTRIENTS
Post Views: 1,379 Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) is celebrated in India in the month of September. As part of celebrating nutrition month and spreading the awareness of holistic nutrition, detailed and in-depth information on the necessary micronutrients was covered throughout the month (September 2021). The list of vitamins and minerals below can give an understanding of how these micronutrients work in your body. The daily requirement and the food sources of each nutrient have been mentioned. The recommended dietary intake as per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also been given. Click on a nutrient below and find out detailed information on each one of…
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OMEGA-6
Post Views: 961 Omega-6 or linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential fatty acid needed to carry various functions in the body. What is the role of omega-6 fatty acid in our body? Omega-6 fatty acids help with the function of all cells in the body. It plays a crucial role in: – brain function – normal growth and development – skin and hair growth – maintaining bone health – regulating metabolism – maintaining the reproductive system. What are the food sources of Omega-6 fatty acids? Omega-6 fatty acid or linoleic acid is found in: – Whole egg – Brazil nuts – Hemp…
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OMEGA-3
Post Views: 525 The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats. 2 essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body – omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Since the body is unable to make them, they must be procured from the food we eat. Why is Omega 3 essential for the body? Omega 3 fatty acids are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body. They affect the function of the cell receptors in the membranes.Omega 3 FA provides the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They also bind…
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VITAMIN B2
Post Views: 723 Riboflavin (vitamin B2), a water-soluble vitamin, was discovered in milk. The name ‘riboflavin’ was given to this vitamin in view of the similarity of a part of its structure to that of the sugar ribose. Most riboflavin is used immediately and not stored in the body, so excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Why is vitamin B2 essential for the human body? Riboflavin is a key component of coenzymes involved with the growth of cells, energy production, and the breakdown of fats, steroids, and medications. It is essential for several oxidation processes inside the cell. It is also concerned with energy and protein metabolism. What is…
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POTASSIUM
Post Views: 1,058 Thousands of years ago, when man roamed the earth gathering and hunting, potassium was abundant in the diet, while sodium was scarce. The so-called Paleolithic diet provided about 16 times more potassium than sodium. Today, most Indians barely get half of the recommended amount of potassium in their diets. The increase in sodium to potassium ratio is due to the majority of salt hidden in processed or fast foods. Most of these foods are poor sources of potassium. This imbalance, which conflicts with human evolution, is thought to be a major contributor to high blood pressure and has affected more than 1/4th of the population globally. What…
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SODIUM
Post Views: 592 Sodium is one of the three macro-minerals present in the human body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride together are known as electrolytes that are essential for maintaining the water balance in the body. What is the role of sodium in the body? Sodium (Na) is an important constituent of the fluid present outside and inside the cell. Proper concentration of sodium is necessary to maintain osmotic balance and keep the cell in proper shape. Maintains blood volume: The total amount of sodium in the body affects the amount of fluid in the blood (blood volume) and around the cells. Transport: Sodium helps in the transport of glucose and amino…
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MOLYBDENUM
Post Views: 888 Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral. It is involved in uric acid metabolism. The absorption rate of molybdenum is very good. Adults can absorb 40% to 100% of dietary molybdenum whereas infants absorb almost all the molybdenum from breast milk or formula. Why is Molybdenum essential for the body? Molybdenum acts as a cofactor in activating 4 enzymes. These enzymes are necessary for: Breaking down aldehydes that are toxic to the body. Breaking down of alcohol and drugs in the liver. Converting xanthine to uric acid. Removing toxic byproducts and waste products of metabolism from the body. What are the signs and symptoms of Molybdenum deficiency? Molybdenum…
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VITAMIN B6
Post Views: 1,259 Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is one of the water-soluble B complex vitamins. The body cannot store vitamin B6, excess of the vitamin is excreted in the urine. Hence, it is necessary to supplement this vitamin daily to avoid deficiency. Why is Vitamin B6 essential to the human body? Vitamin B6 is beneficial to the central nervous system and for metabolism. It has a notable role in the production of the neurotransmitters – serotonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 is involved in several functions in the body that helps with: Brain function Pyridoxine aids in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and regulates energy use in the brain. It is needed…
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CHOLINE
Post Views: 951 Choline is an under-consumed and underappreciated essential nutrient. It was recognized as an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the year 1998. Choline is neither a vitamin nor a mineral but an organic, water-soluble compound. Humans can produce small amounts of choline in the body (liver). Yet, it must be consumed exogenously to prevent signs of deficiency. Choline has a wide range of roles in human metabolism, from cell structure to neurotransmitter synthesis. Why is Choline essential for the human body? Choline helps in the synthesis of two major phospholipids that are vital for the cell membranes. In addition, it is needed to produce…
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VITAMIN B3
Post Views: 761 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…
