POP A PILL

I suppose much like me you've  finished school years ago. I'm therefore sure that during your school career, you've learnt that foods comprises more than 40 different types of nutrients, which is generally divided into 5 main food groups and composed of  (1) Proteins,  (2) Fats, (3) Starches, (4) Dairy products, (5) Fruit and vegetables. 

Whereas, a later school of thought, divides these 40 plus nutrients into 7 groups major — but have a few in common — comprising (1) Proteins, (2) Fats, (3) Carbohydrates, (4) Vitamins, (5) Minerals, 6) Fiber and 7) Water. 

From this we can deduced that other people/organisations/institutions may even divide these 40 plus nutrients into several more categories. Howbeit, regardless its category, there is a huge overlap between these food groups; that in my opinion shouldn't be relegated to any of group in particular — a point that will forever remain debatable.

RECOMMENDED DIETRY ALLOWANCE (RDA)

For instance, "dairy products" have fat, protein and carbohydrate in them, "fruit and vegetables" have carbohydrate and fiber in them. "Water" contains several Minerals, "Protein" contains fat, "Starches" contain fiber, etc.... Implying a number of these nutrients are multipurpose, span numerous subsets, have its "fingers" in several pies or have several irons in the fire. 

That said, at the very least, one needs to eat a nutritious and balanced meal consisting of all these food groups daily in order to achieve optimum health. In fact Nutritionists / Institute of Medicine, food technologist / food scientists etc, developed some tables called Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI) that suggests a nutrition intake for optimum health. A yard stick against which to measure your required intake against your actual intake.

MALNUTRITION

Your failure to maintain a minimum level of nutrition — eventhough you have sufficient to eat —  can lead to malnutrition over time, resulting in spurious ailments and illnesses like fatigue, dizziness, irritability, bleeding gums, lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss, scurvy, rickets, anaemia, allergies, inflammatory diseases and physical or mental disability to mention but a few. Purely because your diet doesn't contain the right or adequate amount of nutrients. Noting that  that the body is incapable of synthesizing itself.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

Since much of the foods available today have a diminished nutritive quantity or lack or are devoid of the necessary Vitamins and Minerals — due to soil depletion, fast-growing, pest-resistant, Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), high yield inorganic fertilizers,  among many other — they (National Academy of Medicine (NAM) recommend taking Food Supplements — Pop-a-Pill. These supplements comes in a variety among which are soft-gel capsules, pills, pastels, effervescent tablets, granules and powders.

Food Supplements are essentially chemical "equivalent" compounds and seldom extracted from a natural source. For example, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Guavas, Rose Hips are rich in Vitamin C but none if any extract Vitamin C from these fruits to produce supplements. Laboratory produced synthetic Vitamin C aka Ascorbic Acid extracted from GMO corn is passed-off as Vitamin C.  

Likewise, Fish, Eggs, Milk, leafy veg, etc are rich in Vitamin A but in a food supplement form synthesized as Retinol / Retinoic Acid. Bearing in mind Vitamin A is a descriptive term for retinoid, applied to any compound that exhibits Vitamin A activity in biological systems. Additionally Vitamin A, some other Vitamins, Minerals and compounds contain micronutrients essential to life  and cannot be manufacture by our bodies hence must be included in our diet. 

FOOD SUPLIMENTS

Food Supplements are available from chain stores, Vitamin specialty stores and pharmacies without a prescription and usually packages as a monthly supply pill, powder or liquid form. However prior to taking any supplements, consult your doctor because taking certain nutrients in high doses, can be dangerous. They will be able to inform you of any of its side effects or whether or not would interfere with other medicines you may be using. That said, I personally would steer clear of synthesized Minerals and Vitamins because the body's uptake is fractionally compared to Vitamins and Minerals in the natural food form.

WATER

Water is unique, with properties vital to life itself. Eventhough Water is  transparent, odorless, tasteless and colourless; it is "the" organic nutrient that constituent the primary substance of the human body, and vitally essential to all living organisms.  

Water regulates the body temperature, is instrumental in the production of all body fluids and in the transportation of metabolized nutrients through the body as well as removal of waste products.  It's an established fact that almost 60% of the human body consists of Water, as such approximately 80% of our blood constitutes Water, and approximately 70% of our brain constitutes Water... and the list goes on.

MINERALS

Minerals are inorganic molecules often referred to as elements and are derived from the earth. Minerals are important component of our diet that we need in very small quantities —  milligrams (mg) and micrograms (µg)  —   predominantly acquire through the organic foods we eat. 

Fruit and vegetables acquire these minerals from the soil which we eat, like wise livestock acquire these minerals from grazing which we also eat. Minerals are essential nutrients that regulate many body functions like muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses —  Sodium. The primary source of sodium is table salt. 

Calcium for example contributes to body structure and builds strong and healthy bones. Sodium helps in muscle contraction and nerve impulses and controls the fluid balance in the body. 

Potassium plays a role in brain health and reduces the risk of stroke and a potassium deficiency may cause and irregular heartbeat. Iodine is responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Among other mineral are Selenium, Magnesium, and Zinc etc.

VITAMINS

Vitamins naturally occurs in foods and can be described as organic molecules of essential micronutrients needed by living organisms in minute quantities for the correct functioning of its metabolism. Additionally each living organism has a different Vitamin requirement for metabolism throughout the body and is key for maintaining overall health.  Vitamins can be divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble Vitamins refereeing to B & C as well as  A,D,E & K respectively. Water soluble Vitamins leave the body via the urine whereas oil soluble Vitamins are stored in body fat for later use.

DIETRY FIBRE

Dietary fiber aka roughage, includes the indigestible part of plant foods that the body can't digest or absorb and can be also be divided into either soluble or insoluble.  It promotes gut health, prevents constipation and helps stabilize blood sugar. Whole grains are a good source of fiber and rich in healthy phytonutrients among which are Almonds, Barley, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas, Oats, Popcorn, Sweet potatoes, etc.

FRUIT & VEGITABLES

It is advisable to eat at least five portions of  fresh fruit and vegetables daily as they contain important Vitamins and Minerals that help prevent disease. Remember the old adage "An Apple a day keeps the Doctor Away". Fruit is also rich fiber, low in fat which can lower an elevated cholesterol level, as well as help digestion and keep your bowel regular.  

CARBOHYRATES

Carbohydrates are a major source of energy and found mainly from grains, such as dry beans, rice, pasta, noodles - beside rich in fiber, fruit and root vegetables are also a form of carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates are divided into 2 different types, namely Sugars from milk, fruit, cakes etc, and Starch from breads and pastas.

PROTEINS

Proteins are made-up of chemical "building blocks" known as amino acids. It is a key nutrient for building muscle, repairing and maintaining healthy body tissue. Meat, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products are an excellent source of protein for most and dry beans and lentils, soy are good sources of protein for vegetarians. The quantity of protein needed daily varies and is subject to gender, age, weight and health.

FATS

Muck like Protein Fats also serve as an energy source, it also prevent heat loss in extreme cold weather. Fats are essential as part of our body's cells and for transporting fat-soluble Vitamins (A, D, E & K) to the organs.  Fats are abundant in meat, dairy products and as oils in nuts and seeds.  Different fats can be found in foods such as meat, fish, seafood, dairy products, nuts, seeds and oils. Fats serve as another energy source. They prevent heat loss in extreme cold weather and protect organs against shock. 

These nutrient are collectively responsible for different functions in our body, and work together and contribute to our overall health.  If you are mindful of you health and wellbeing, I recommend that you only eat wholesome foods to maintain good health. Steer clear of "Junk food" & "take-out". Let medicine be you food and let food be your medicine.

Disclaimer! The reading material on all the pages within this blogpost is for purely written for information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice at anytime.

nutrients are multipurposeRecommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)inflammatory diseases

THE SUGAR CODE

Glycans, also known as polysaccharides, are s composed of numerous monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds. They are among the most abundant carbohydrates found in food and play crucial roles in living organisms. While carbohydrates are traditionally recognized as a source of energy through processes like glycolysis, their significance extends far beyond mere metabolic functions.

 

In addition to serving as energy sources and components of nucleic acids and cell wall polysaccharides, glycans possess remarkable compositional and structural variability. This variability arises from their ability to combine different parameters independently, including anomeric status, linkage positions, ring size, branch addition, and site-specific substitutions. This unique property allows glycans to generate highly diverse sequences, akin to forming "words" or "signals" with a high-density coding capacity.

 

These "words" are embedded within glycoconjugates such as proteins and lipids, collectively forming the glycome, which exhibits cell type-dependent features. The structural characteristics of glycans, characterized by limited intramolecular flexibility and numerous contact points for intermolecular interactions, make them ideally suited for binding processes. Lectins, receptors specialized in recognizing specific glycan structures, can "read" these glycan-based "words" and translate their message into cellular effects.

 

The concept of the sugar code, explored in this journal's special issue, delves into the central aspects of glycans' role as carriers of molecular information. It highlights the interdisciplinary efforts required to decipher how the encoded "messages" are interpreted and translated within biological systems.

 

Key areas covered in this review include the structural and functional analyses of complex carbohydrates, facilitated by advances in chemical synthesis techniques. These advancements enable the production of synthetic oligosaccharides, glycoclusters, and neoglycoconjugates, which serve as valuable tools for studying glycan-lectin interactions. Understanding the mechanisms by which lectins recognize and interact with specific glycan structures provides fundamental insights into life processes and holds promise for medical applications.

 

In summary, the complexity and diversity of glycans make them key players in cellular communication and molecular recognition. Deciphering the sugar code not only enhances our understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms but also opens up avenues for therapeutic interventions and medical advancements.

 

GLYCOMICS - THE SUGAR CODE OF LIFE!

GLYCOMICS

Glycomics is destined to change the way doctors, scientists and chemists think of health; along with the techniques and medicines used to treat sickness and disease in the future. Glycomics is a very new specialized-science studying sugar molecules found on the surface of cells, since prior to the advent of the electron microscope, much of this latest research wasn't available nor possible. 

Minerals and Vitamins

GLYCOBIOLOGY

Glycobiology research identified numerous sugars, collectively forming molecules or carbohydrate chains of different combinations, growing on the surface of cells which is believed to be essential for inter cellular and intracellular communication. The resultant opinions are that without their function of glycocilation, there would be no life, as these sugars interact with DNA at the cellular level.

THE CODE OF LIFE 

These sugars are not the edible sweet kind that we find in cakes and sweets but are instead bitter or tasteless chemically composed carbohydrates, capable of forming millions (or perhaps billions) of combinations much like the billions of combinations of DNA. Because these sugars are another set of building blocks with which molecules of untold complexity and arrangements is forecast, it is flaunted as The Code of Life.

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Glyconutrients is one of the outcomes of the study of glycomics and hailed to be the start of a new frontier of medicine. Glyconutrients is a food rather than a medication and consumption thereof promotes overall health and the enhanced growth of these sugar carbohydrates on the cells. Yes, you may ask, Is this a cure for cancer on the horizon?

CANCER

Probably not; but as the Ancient Greek physician Hipcrates said some 400 years BC; "Let Medicine be your food and let food be your medicine." Modern day physicians, food technologists, nutritionists, food scientists, dietecians etc. all tend to agree that he hit the nail right on its head.

FOOD

It has become apparent through research that there are various enzymes the human body needs to function properly since it is incapable of producing some chemicals it required to do so, thus their are the chemicals found in oils of both plant and animal  that are important to be consumed to ensure optimum health. 

VITAMINS

Vitamins and minerals are found in most foods in varying quantities and qualities among them being the vitamin A,  B, C,  D & E, Calcium, Zinc, Selenium, Chloride, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chromium and a several others, key components of health. Vitamin A, D & E being oil soluble vitamins that are readily stored in body fats whereas Vitamins B &C are water soluble vitamins and not stored in the body hence needs daily replenishing and in greater abundance than the stored variety of vitamins.

MINERALS

Minerals, some of which are mentioned above allows the body to absorb Vitamins because in the absence these needed micronutrients no organism can survive. Mineral Deficiencies has been link as the root cause of reduced longevity in humans and animals.

We will further expound of  these in successive blog pages!