What are Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids? Fats are an essential component of your diet, and omega-3, 6, and 9 are important dietary fats. Each of these fatty acids has health benefits when consumed in the right balance. Any imbalance in these fatty acids can result in many health conditions and diseases. Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) […]
Emotional Eating: An Introduction When an individual feels low or encounters negative emotions, the feeling is often accompanied by emptiness. Food is believed to fill that void by providing temporary pleasure and satisfaction. This practice of reaching out to food to suppress or soothe our negative thoughts can be called emotional eating. Finding comfort in […]
What Is Homocysteine? Unlike most amino acids, homocysteine is a harmful amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis. It is usually formed in the body. This harmful amino acid is converted into either cysteine or methionine, amino acids that are safe for the body. There are different interdependent pathways involved in the conversion […]
Consider the following scenarios, Two friends eat very similar types of high carb foods- one gains weight, and the other does not Two individuals are lean. But, one of them is diabetic, and the other is not Two people eat similar types of foods, but one of them has vitamin D deficiency while the other […]
Vitamin B2: An Introduction Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is an essential nutrient needed for human health. It is one of the eight B vitamins. All the B vitamins are important for good health. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin. Being a water-soluble vitamin, it can be excreted out of the body easily. Your body […]
What is Cilantro? Cilantro is a herb popularly used in cooking. The names cilantro and coriander are commonly used interchangeably. Both cilantro and coriander come from the same plant species, Coriandrum sativum. The nutrient profiles of the plant and seed are different. In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stem, while coriander refers […]
What Is Adiponectin? Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted primarily by adipocytes or fat cells. Adipocytes are found in the adipose tissue. Certain other cell types in the muscle and brain can also produce this hormone. This hormone plays a role in the metabolism of lipids and glucose. Adiponectin also influences the body’s response to […]
What Is Body Mass Index? Body mass index or (BMI) is an indicator of your body fat, which is calculated based on your height and weight. This number is used to classify individuals into different groups – optimum weight, underweight, overweight, or obese. BMI can be used as a screening test rather than a diagnostic […]
Nicotine Dependence: Introduction Nicotine is a nitrogen-containing chemical and is a highly addictive substance. It is mainly found in tobacco and is primarily consumed by inhaling the smoke of tobacco cigarettes. Nicotine produces ‘pleasurable and pleasing’ effects on the brain. With regular smoking, you tend to get used to these positive feelings. Going without a […]
