Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required by all living beings for bone health, calcium absorption, and brain function. This vitamin is also known as calciferol. Most of the vitamin D is obtained naturally from sunlight. While melanin (the skin pigment) protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, excess melanin can also […]
For years, diets called for the elimination of fats, urging us to move towards low-fat alternatives. While, like any other nutrient, overdoing fats can lead to weight gain, cutting out dietary fats need not necessarily result in weight loss. Replacing bad fats (trans fats, saturated fats) with good fats (mono and poly-unsaturated fats) comes with […]
Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays many important roles in the body. It is ‘essential’ because the body cannot produce zinc on its own, and thus, it should be obtained through food sources. After iron, zinc is the most abundant trace mineral (minerals required in small quantities) in the body. Zinc boosts the immune […]
Carbohydrates are one of the most prominent food groups in the diet. They are present as sugars, starches, and fiber in food. Glucose molecules are linked together to form starch and fiber. When carbohydrates enter the body, the fiber goes undigested, while the sugar and starch are broken down into glucose. Glucose provides the energy […]
WATCH: The genetic behind alcohol flush reaction Alcohol has become a part of people’s lives. People drink when they are happy, excited, sad, or stressed out. It is one of the oldest recreational drugs in use. While many people can handle their drink well, some have extremely unpleasant symptoms when they consume even limited quantities […]
Do you start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee? Does a cup of tea warm your insides and leave you feeling fresh in the evening? Do you stock up energy drinks in your fridge to help handle late nights? All these beverages have one thing in common - caffeine. Caffeine is an […]
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient (nutrients needed by the body in small quantities). It is required for its role in antioxidant activity, immunity, and thyroid function. The natural forms of this nutrient in our body are selenocysteine and selenoproteins. Humans are known to have 25 selenoproteins, with selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) among […]
Gluten is a family of storage proteins found in various grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. Gluten is responsible for the soft and chewy texture of pastries and baked items. It also retains the moisture in bread, pasta, and cereal. Gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity are two terms used interchangeably to describe a condition […]
Just like how water exerts pressure on the walls of the pipes when flowing, blood too exerts pressure on the surface blood vessels. The pressure exerted must be constant and of a particular value. A drop or hike in this pressure may likely be a warning of an abnormality. When the pressure exerted by blood […]
