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Glutamine
This is the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue.
Glutamine is a non essential amino acid that is, that our body can synthesize from other amino acids present in both proteins in our body as food that make up our diet. Although not part of the essential amino group in certain circumstances or situations is considered “essential subject” or “semi-essential”. Some of such situations include stress, trauma, infections, intense training, protein malnutrition, and so on. In all, the nutritional requirements are very high and therefore the amount of glutamine DEFENDANT is higher than the body can produce.
Where is it?
Most protein-rich foods contain significant amounts of the amino acid glutamine, however, due to the rapid speed at which the body uses this amino acid, even athletes who eat a diet rich in proteins or protein, often in need of contributions extras. Glutamine are good sources of dairy, meat, peanuts, almonds, soy, turkey and dry beans.
Two of the main benefits of glutamine: facilitates and promotes glycogen recovery of protein synthesis
Glutamine may contribute to muscle glycogen recovery after periods of training, once they have reduced or depleted glycogen stores. Several studies have found that the intake of glutamine and glucose polymer, promotes the accumulation of glycogen in liver and muscle. Specifically it was observed that blood glucose levels significantly increased after ingestion of glutamine alone and the glucose polymer. Read the rest of this entry »
Tocotrienol: A New Effective Weapons Against Cholesterol
Tocotrienols are fat-soluble substances closely related to vitamin E. Like vitamin E, they are: antioxidant properties and help protect fatty substances in the body are damaged by free radicals. In the 1990s, it was thought that antioxidant supplements offered great potential for preventing a variety of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, and based on this, tocotrienols were offered in the market as health supplements. Tocotrienols have also been proposed to reduce cholesterol. However, subsequent studies have tended to discourage these hopes. Currently, no reliable evidence that tocotrienols offer any significant benefit to health.
Requirements / Sources
Tocotrienols are not essential nutrients. These occur naturally in the oil extract of barley, palm fruit, rice bran and wheat germ. Commercially available supplements are made from rice bran oil or palm oil.
A new effective weapon against cholesterol.
A work developed by Minhajuddin Mohammad, published in the May issue of the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal suggests that vitamin E and, in particular, the tocotrienol is capable of reducing cholesterol levels effectively. The tocotrienol is a form of vitamin E that researchers have isolated from rice bran oil. This substance has been successfully delivered to mice in an experiment.
The results of this experiment indicate that the cholesterol level decreased to 42%, and in the case of high density lipids, or LDL ( “bad” cholesterol) the decline was even more dramatic: up to 62%. Read the rest of this entry »
Red Tomatoes and Lycopene
Unlike other carotenoids, only lycopene found in only a small number of plants, primarily red fruits and vegetables. The tomato products (juice, ketchup, tomato sauce, soup) are sources of lycopene per excellence. The raw tomatoes are our main source of lycopene intake. They are followed by canned tomatoes, sauces and pizzas.
Cooking it goes
Chemically, lycopene exists in two forms called “cis” and “trans”. When you eat tomatoes, they ingest the trans form predominates in plants. However, it is poorly absorbed by the body prefers the cis form. The good news is that cooking tomatoes promotes transformation into cis form.
Also, products of processed tomatoes (sauce and mashed) deliver more lycopene in our bodies than raw tomatoes. The presence of fat (the typical pizza and tomato sauce with cheese and cooking oil), as well as the dose consumed and the presence of other carotenoids like beta-carotene (found in the tomato and carrot, which often added to tomato sauce or tomato soup) increase even further the absorption of lycopene in the intestine.
In practice a daily consumption of one serving of tomato seems sufficient to obtain protection from lycopene.
Cancer and heart attack
Numerous epidemiological studies are in favor of a protective effect of tomatoes against cancer and this knowledge has existed for over 20 years. Products tomato, if consumed regularly, appear to reduce overall mortality from cancer. But the greatest impact is measured on the prostate, lung and stomach. Read the rest of this entry »
Vitamin A
Brief Definition
Vitamin A belongs to the group of fat soluble vitamins (soluble in fat) is essential for the organism.
This vitamin is present in foods of animal origin as a pre-formed vitamin A and retinol is called while the plant appears as provitamin A, also known as carotenoids that stands out among the beta carotene.
Beta carotene are natural pigments that are found in fruits and vegetables red, orange and yellow, or in dark green vegetables. Beta-carotene is a chemical form required by the body for the formation of vitamin-A.
Approximately 80 and 90% of the retinol esters are absorbed while the beta carotene they do between 40 to 60%. The majority of vitamin A, almost 90% is stored in the liver, the remainder being deposited in the lungs, kidneys and body fat.
Functions of vitamin A and retinol in the body:
* Skeletal system: it is necessary for growth and bone development.
* Cell development: essential for growth, maintenance and repair of mucosal cells, epithelial, skin, vision, nails, hair and tooth enamel.
* Immune system: helps in the prevention of infectious diseases, especially respiratory creating protective barriers against different microorganisms. It stimulates immune functions, including antibody response and the activity of several cells produced by bone marrow involved in defending the body as phagocytes and lymphocytes. Therefore promotes the repair of infected tissues and increases resistance to infection.
* Reproductive System: helps in the normal function of reproduction, contributing to the production of sperm as well as normal female reproductive cycle. Due to its vital role in cell growth, vitamin A helps the changes that occur in the cells and tissues during development of the fetus to develop normally.
* Vision: It is essential for vision, since the Retinol helps improve night vision, preventing certain visual disturbances such as cataracts, glaucoma, vision loss, blindness twilight, also helps fight bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis.
* Antioxidant: Prevents cellular aging and the onset of cancer, since being a natural antioxidant eliminates free radicals and protects DNA from the mutagenic action. Read the rest of this entry »
Vitamin E – Tocopherol
What is it?
The family of vitamin E includes eight substances, the best known is the alpha-tocopherol. One of the main functions of vitamin E is its antioxidant qualities, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. Thus, it participates in protecting cells (primarily occurs at the level of their membrane) and has a particular interest in protecting the vessels. It moreover also an anti-coagulant.
Vitamin E or Tocopherol has many properties but notable for being known as the vitamin of youth and beauty as it is an antioxidant. Want to know thoroughly all the properties and benefits of vitamin E or Tocopherol?
Vitamin E is the vitamin of youth and beauty, of great importance in energy production.
Vitamin E (tocopherol), fatty substances needs to be digested and absorbed, accumulates primarily in adipose tissue, liver and muscle.
For the absorption of vitamin E is necessary to correct production of bile and pancreatic juice (responsible for digesting fats and vitamin E).
Vitamin E or Tocopherol cooking does not destroy but instead the air and polyunsaturated fats, fried, exposure to light and hydrogenation.
Benefits of Vitamin E or Tocopherol
* Vitamin E is the oldest antioxidant that protects cells from external aggression such as pollution, pesticides, smoke snuff and stress leading cause of premature aging.
* Vitamin E plays an active role in nervous disorders and immunity by increasing the number of leukocytes and preventing infections.
* Vitamin E improves blood circulation, protects the heart, lowers harmful cholesterol, lowers triglycerides and prevent clots.
* Vitamin E stabilizes and regulates the production of female hormones. Its use is beneficial to the genitals, facilitate pregnancy and childbirth.
Symptoms of deficiency of Vitamin E or Tocopherol
* There is a deficiency disease but frequently is linked to a deficit bladder and severe anemia.
* Some symptoms include lack of energy, apathy, irritability and decreased physical energy.
* Those who suffer from heavy legs, swollen feet, varicose veins and cellulite.
* Cholesterol or triglycerides.
* Action on Cancer: inhibits breast cancer.
* Decreased libido.
* Women who take oral contraceptives and in men during adolescence, sexual maturation helps.
* It affects more premature babies and newborns. Read the rest of this entry »
Good nutrition is essential for bone health
Good nutrition is essential for strong bones and keep them, according to a new report released by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) on the occasion of World Osteoporosis (WOD, World Osteoporosis Day) , October 20.
The new report, “” Bone appetite “: the role of diet and nutrition for strong bones and keep them
IOF CEO Daniel Navid, speaking at a press conference in Hong Kong, noted: “Everyone can play a role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis by following a healthy lifestyle for bones, including a nutritious diet of regular exercise and moderation in consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
“By rejecting the misconception that” skinny is beautiful “and not following harmful and excessive diets, can have strong bones and reduce risk of broken bones due to osteoporosis when with advancing age.
Professor Annie Kung, president of the Society fight against osteoporosis in Hong Kong, speaking at the conference, predicted an osteoporosis epidemic in Asia, she noted that “it is projected that approximately 50% of hip fractures occur in osteoporotic Asia in 2050. This is partly due to increased life expectancy, but also factors related to lifestyle, including eating habits not so healthy.
“The importance of a nutritious diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones and protect them has been proven in numerous clinical studies,” said Dr Edith Lau, president of the Foundation fight against osteoporosis in Hong Kong and board member of the IOF. “Like other organs of the body, the skeleton needs a constant supply of nutrients to function properly and regenerate throughout our lives. Read the rest of this entry »
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine
An amino acid essential to the well-being and anti-stress qualities recognized.
• Provides an anti-stress and anti-anxiety
• Help a concentration and alertness
• Prevents depression
• Increases energy stressed people
• Facilitates weight loss by increasing the basal metabolic
• Useful in treating the syndrome of chronic fatigue
What is the L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of dopamine and dopamine factor (memorization), the precursor of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), hormones, arousal and satiety (appetite suppressant effect). Finally, it is the precursor of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and thyronine). Stress and mental strain may decrease the rate of tyrosine in neurons and reduce the capacity of attention and concentration.
Why take the L-Tyrosine?
L-Tyrosine is particularly interesting for the memory requirement to take on an empty stomach in the morning upon awakening, at least half an hour before breakfast, and involve a complex of B vitamins and vitamin C to consume at the end of breakfast. The N-acetyl-L-tyrosine can also be used effectively to treat a particular type of depression: the slowdown catécolaminergique (catecholamine deficiency): This type of depression is characterized by the following symptoms: decreased perception of visual contrasts, decreased concentration, decreased drive intensity (libido, loss of appetite …), pleasure (anhedonia, lack of appreciation awards, reduced motivation), decreased memory (decrease in immediate memory … ), mental fatigue (decline in initiative and creativity …), psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia … Read the rest of this entry »
Tryptophan
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can not be synthesized by our body and therefore must be supplied by diet. A company of glucogenic amino acids is that their carbon skeletons can be converted into glucose and (glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, aspartate. Glutamate, proline, arginine, serine, threonine.). It also belongs to the group of aromatic amino acids those with aromatic rings in its molecule such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The dietary tryptophan is taken up by neurons that use it for the synthesis of serotonin.
Properties of tryptophan
* An essential amino acid helps the body produce its own proteins.
* Tryptophan is essential for the brain to produce brain neurotransmitter serotonin.
* As sleep-inducing as serotonin is a precursor of the hormone melatonin which regulates the daily cycle of sleep-wakefulness.
* In some cases it may be observed an antidepressant effect because it increases the level of serotonin in the brain.
* Tryptophan may be useful in obesity or overweight problems where the anxious component is important (problems with Bulimia). The Tryptophan enhance production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and anxiety influences the food, its use is interesting in people with appetite control dieting.
* It acts on stress and can help control insulin levels, this hormone is affected by the state of our nervous system, interest in people with impaired glucose control.
* Supports the formation of vitamin B3 or Niacin. For every 60 milligrams of tryptophan we get from our diet, our body produces 1 mg. Niacin.
* It is very important to take it half an hour before or between meals because otherwise act as a single amino acid.
* Tryptophan should not be used when taking antidepressant drugs or tranquilizers without consulting your doctor or specialist because it may interfere with the results.
* The L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the most effective form of tryptophan. Read the rest of this entry »
How fats affect us
How fats affect of food on our body fats
Once we know what kind of fats can be found in foods (fats from food) and how these are transformed and converted by our body moving in different lipid fractions foods (fats in our body), we interact as a with others and how this affects the development of cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol
Despite the fear that made us have him, cholesterol in food is not as dangerous as it flows through our veins. In numerous experiments with different animal species found that dietary cholesterol was found to be highly atherogenic (forming atherosclerotic plaques in arteries), so it was thought that humans would be the same. However, humans in general are not as sensitive to dietary cholesterol as other animal species, and today we have evidence that cholesterol ingestion significantly less impact on increasing blood cholesterol (which is really dangerous ) that consumption of saturated fats.
This is because the absorption of cholesterol in the human intestine is limited to 40 or 50% of ingesta, with wide differences among individuals identified by genetic factors. This variability also depends on many factors. For example, the triglycerides in the intestine (fatty food) favor the absorption of cholesterol, while plant sterols (foods rich in vegetable fiber) and marine (seafood) to compete with the reduced absorption.
The cholesterol content of the typical Western diet is about 400 mg / day. When intake exceeds 500 mg / day percentage absorption decreases. However, official recommendations say about the cholesterol content of the diet should never exceed 300 mg / day. Read the rest of this entry »
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are found almost exclusively in foods of plant origin. They are one of three major chemical groups that form the organic matter along with fats and proteins. Carbohydrates are most abundant organic compounds in the biosphere and in turn more diverse. Usually found in the structural parts of plants and also in animal tissues, such as glucose or glycogen. These serve as a source of energy for all vital cell activities.
They provide 4 kcal/gram as protein and energy are considered macronutrients like fat. We can find them in a countless number and variety of food and play an important role in metabolism. So they must have a strong presence in our daily diet.
In a varied and balanced diet approximately 300gr./día carbohydrates should come from fruits and vegetables, which not only provide us with carbohydrates, but we also provide vitamins, minerals and plenty of plant fibers.
Another 50 to 100 g. newspapers must be complex, ie cereals and their derivatives. Always prefer those grains which retain their bark, grains. They are rich in B vitamins, minerals, vegetable proteins and obviously fiber.
The fiber should always be present in an amount of 30 gr. daily, thereby preventing weight disorders and diseases such as obesity.
In all low-calorie diets in fruit and vegetables are helpful because they provide plenty of nutrients without too many calories.
Functions
The functions of carbohydrates in the body are met, energy saving proteins, regulate fat metabolism and structure.
* Drink tap, carbohydrates provide 4 kcal (kilocalories) per gram dry weight. This is without considering the content of water that might have the food which is carbohydrate. Covers energy needs, a small part is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen (usually no more than 0.5% by weight of the individual), the rest is converted into fat and accumulates in the body as adipose tissue.
It is generally recommended that minimally effected a daily intake of 100 grams of carbohydrates to maintain metabolic processes.
* Savings of proteins: If carbohydrate intake is insufficient, protein is used for energy purposes, relegating their plastic function.
* Regulation of fat metabolism: In case of poor dietary intake of carbohydrates, fats are metabolized abnormally accumulate in the body ketone bodies, which are intermediate products of this metabolism thus causing problems (ketosis).
* Structurally, the carbohydrates are a small portion of the weight and structure of the body, but either way, this function should not be excluded from the list, however minimal its indispensable contribution. Read the rest of this entry »