The human body synthesizes numerous proteins to support growth and development, production of enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, stimulate the immune system and repair cells and tissues. Nonetheless, you need certain substances to support...
Carbohydrates convert into glucose, or blood sugar, in the digestive system. When glucose enters the bloodstream, the body can use it as an immediate source of energy or convert it into fat or glycogen, the stored form of glucose. Glucose normally...
Any form of sugar you eat causes your pancreas to release insulin. This insulin allows your body to convert the carbohydrates into glucose before storing them in your liver. A healthy liver releases these glucose reserves into your bloodstream in...
Vitamins are essential molecules that must be taken in from the diet because the human body is incapable of synthesizing them. Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the upper small intestine. Bacteria in the large intestine synthesize many...
Fats are components of every cell in your body, and they are necessary for other functions, such as vision, nervous system signaling and hormone function. Fats in food and in your body are made up of fatty acids, and your body can synthesize some...
Food is an essential part of life. It provides energy as well as vitamins, minerals and nutrients our body would not get elsewhere. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are essential for human life. Your body can produce about half the...
Amino acids are often called the building blocks of life. This is because they are the foundation of proteins. Proteins make up the cells of the body, help the body to grow and repair and carry out bodily tasks. You are not able to synthesize, or...
Fluvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, belongs to the class of drugs often known simply as statins. Statin drugs belong to a group of drugs called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, most commonly abbreviated as...
The human body requires 22 amino acids of which eight are essential for adults, meaning that they must be added from outside sources. In addition, two amino acids called arginine and histadine are also considered essential for infants and small...
Casein, sometimes called caseinogen, is the main protein in milk. Casein is present in the milk of all mammals and can also be found in cheese and yogurt. It is used as a binding agent in processed foods and supplements and is used commercially to...
LSD or d-lysergic acid diethylamide is a powerful mind-altering drug manufactured from lysergic acid, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Lysergic acid comes from the fungus ergot, which grows on certain grains. Aside from...
Collagen is a connective tissue protein responsible for holding your skin and organs together. Although 12 different types of collagen protein are present in your body, those most responsible for firm skin include types one and three. Collagen...
Ecocert is a French environmental certification body that was created in 1991. Today, the organization is officially recognized by more than 80 government authorities from all around the world. Ecocert's mission is to protect the environment and...
Potassium permanganate has no nutritional value. You are more likely to encounter this chemical in your college chemistry lab or in the film industry, where it is used to give props an antique appearance. Medically, there are few uses for...
Salicylic acid is a mildly acidic organic molecule of relatively small size, which possesses both phenol and carboxylic acid functional groups. Salicylic acid is the active portion of the larger molecule salicin, which can be isolated from plants...
Potassium iodate is easily confused with potassium iodine and potassium iodide. While they are all sources of iodine and are interchangeable for some uses, the compounds have different properties. If you feel you need supplemental iodine, talk to...
The type of chemotherapy drug depends on the type and stage of the cancer. An oncologist can choose the right combination of chemotherapy drugs that will work for specific cancer cells in your body. Alkylating agents, which were among the first...
According to statistics gleaned from the American Heart Association, 7 percent of the U.S. population suffers from diabetes, and 34.2 percent suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 73.6 percent of the population aged 20...
Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant found in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. It has been purported to increase weight loss. The San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert used Hoodia gordonii to decrease hunger and thirst...
As a byproduct of creatine metabolism, creatinine is a serum marker often used as a tool to assess renal function. Together with other laboratory data, including elevated blood-urea nitrogen, it may indicate the presence of renal failure. Certain...
AAttention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by learning and behavioral disorders. Alternative treatments for this condition include non-drug solutions for treating symptoms and behaviors. Alternative treatments...
Sweet basil, or ocimum basilicum, is a part of the mint family. This herb is commonly used in cooking to flavor Mediterranean and other dishes. However, the basil plant and its essential oil are also used extensively in natural healing. Similar...
Pantethine is a derived form of vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 is an essential coenzyme in numerous reactions needed to sustain life. This vitamin is available in an array of foods from fish to dairy products to vegetables to...
Lettuce grows well in cool weather and is available in many seasonal varieties. The main types of lettuce are butterhead, crisphead, romaine (also known as Cos), stem (also called asparagus lettuce) and loose-leaf. Leaf lettuce is the best-selling...
Mullein weed refers to the woolly leaves of Verbascum thapsus, a biennial herb also known as great mullein or "grandmother's flannel." Mullein has been used in traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years to treat upper respiratory...
The kidneys regulate the blood levels of many substances in your body. They can excrete waste or excessive substances into the urine, and they conserve needed substances. In addition, your kidneys synthesize hormones and other chemicals for the...
Vitamins are biological nutrients that are required for a number of cellular and tissue-specific processes in your body. Vitamins are primarily attained from your dietary intake, with different vitamins originating from different types of food...
Phenylalanine is considered an essential amino acid because your body cannot synthesize it and you must get it through dietary means. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that is found in some plants, most notably in red grapes. Resveratrol is...
The non-essential amino acid L-tyrosine is used to synthesize many neurotransmitters in the brain. Supplementing with L-tyrosine may aid in improving energy and focus without stimulants and shows promise in treating diseases where...
Biotin is a water soluble B-complex vitamin important for synthesizing fatty and amino acids and maintaining blood sugar. Try these tips for buying biotin enriched foods in this healthy shopping video.
