The B complex vitamins are essential for maintaining many body functions and can contribute to healthy hair, nails and mucous membranes. These vitamins can be found in a number of foods in the meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and grain groups....
Of the many amino acids that your body requires, L-Lysine is one that the human body can't manufacture on its own. This means that you must gain the required amino acid from food sources in your diet. L-Lysine is important in the production of...
Choline is a chemical compound and B vitamin that leads to the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for concentration and memory. People who have low amounts of choline in their diets may have a difficult time...
Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants present in a variety of food sources. Penn State's College of Health and Human Development says that polyphenols may help in preventing or delaying certain cancer types, decrease the risk of heart...
The body makes niacinamide from niacin in the diet. They are both considered to be forms of vitamin B3. This vitamin helps the body convert carbohydrates into fuel for energy, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Adult...
We often think of red meats as good sources of minerals. They are, but some healthy foods, such as sweet potatoes, salmon and pumpkin seeds have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals, with less fat, cholesterol and calories. Low-fat dairy...
Glutathione is a compound containing three amino acids, glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It functions in the body as an antioxidant. It is a vital component in the destruction of free radicals and the detoxification of harmful substances within...
Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid that is the main pigment in yellow Indian corn. Lutein (antioxidant carotenoid) and zeaxanthin naturally coexist in the macula (small, central portion of the retina necessary for sharp vision). The National...
While more attention is given to the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important to health. The American Heart Association recommends that omega-6 fatty acids account for 5 to 10 percent of daily caloric...
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, acts as a source of fuel within your cells. Formed from a series of chemical reactions, carbohydrates, proteins and fats can all be converted into ATP following digestion. Each cell within your body utilizes ATP to...
Keratin is a primary, structural, fibrous protein found in the outer layer -- also called the epidermis -- of your skin and that of many animals. It is an insoluble and tough protein. Keratin plays an important role in cellular differentiation,...
Carnosine is an antioxidant that can help the body's cells repair effectively and support the immune system, leading to healthy aging. Carnosine is made up of proteins called amino acids. The natural form of carnosine in the body is called...
Iodine is an essential trace mineral required for proper thyroid function. iodine might also play a role in immune function. Iodine is present in some foods naturally and is added to some foods to ensure adequate intake for people who live in...
Amino acids are vital components of proteins and contribute to key metabolic processes in the body. Humans do not have the necessary enzymes to produce essential amino acids, including tryptophan. Tryptophan must come directly from food sources....
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ-10, is a compound that is made in your body’s cells and consumed in your diet. CoQ-10 helps your body metabolize carbohydrates into energy. According to MedlinePlus, people use CoQ-10 for many purposes, although there is...
Calcium is a mineral that helps the body maintain bone and tooth health. Calcium also helps muscles move and the nerves carry messages throughout the body, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lack of calcium can lead to serious...
Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins. Produced by fungi, bacteria, plants, and in the digestive system of humans and animals, protease enzymes play an important role in digestion. Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids linked...
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, influences mood and sleeping patterns. When levels are low, a person can experience feelings of depression or sadness. Elevated serotonin levels are associated with better moods and less anxiety and...
Citrulline is classified as an essential amino acid. Your body converts citrulline to arginine and then to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is beneficial to the body because it promotes optimal blood flow, assists with mental and physical fatigue and...
Keeping triglycerides in check is as important as watching your cholesterol levels. Calories that the body doesn't need right away are converted into triglycerides, which are stored in the fat cells of the body. Hormones help to release these...
Carbohydrates, which include sugar, starches and fiber, are broken down into glucose during digestion and is the main fuel source for the body. The brain and nervous system rely solely on glucose for energy, according to the National Institutes of...
Fat is a nutrient the body uses for energy, and it comes in four types: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated and trans fats. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats help decrease low density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad form of...
Molybdenum is a trace mineral that is necessary for the conversion of purines in foods to uric acid, according to Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Conversion of purines to uric acid is...
Enzymes--proteins made by the body and naturally occurring in food--have been found to play an important role in helping to provide valuable antioxidants to ward off heart disease, cancer and neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral...
One of the most important nutritional elements of a healthy diet is fiber, but many Americans don't get enough of it on a daily basis. Fiber is essential for helping your digestive system function properly and can also help make you feel fuller...
You may be familiar with para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, as an ingredient listed on your sunscreen bottle. This compound is considered part of the B vitamin complex, and also sometimes referred to vitamin Bx. PABA is not considered one of the...
Riboflavin, a water-soluble B vitamin, works with the other B vitamins to produce red blood cells, release energy from carbohydrates and help your body grow. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of riboflavin depends on age and gender. The...
Leucine is an essential amino acid. It is required for several body processes such as releasing growth hormone, maintaining lean muscle tissue and supplying your body with energy under times of physical stress. For these purposes, leucine is...
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in many foods and are similar to those found in the human gut. They are considered living organisms. There are many species of probiotics mostly stemming from Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Each species...
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