Diet + Nutrition

The carbohydrates we eat perform different functions. One type of carbohydrate is deoxyribose, which is a building block of genes. Other carbohydrates are converted to protein and used to build structures in the body. But the primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body. This requires the carbohydrates to be in the form of glucose.

Cocoa butter has many health benefits internally and externally. A natural fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean, cocoa butter is used in cosmetics, topical lotions and creams as well as in the making of high quality chocolate. Cocoa butter has a large amount of CMP (Cocoa Mass Polyphenol) which is a chemical that helps to prevent heart disease as well as treat the symptoms of arthritis and dermatitis.

Chia seeds are the seeds of the chia plant, which is native to Mexico. The history of chia seeds dates back as far as the Mayan and Aztec cultures, who ate them as a super energy food. Chia seeds have become a popular item in the health food world because of their purported nutritional benefits. Chia seeds are rich in omega fatty acids, protein, iron and antioxidants. Chia seeds are also a good source of calcium and potassium. You can purchase chia seeds at most health food stores and organic markets.

Hemp seeds contain all eight essential amino acids and all essential fatty acids in ideal ratios for human nutrition. Hemp plants are environmentally friendly, requiring no herbicides or pesticides to produce a bumper crop of highly digestible nutrition-packed food, which is used throughout the world to treat malnutrition.

An oxalate, which is also called ethanedioate, is the deprotonated charged form of oxalic acid or an ester of oxalic acid. Oxalates are chemicals that are often found in plant foods but not in most animal foods. Diets with high levels of oxalates, such as sorrel, may result in kidney disease or even death due to oxalate poisoning if eaten in large amounts.

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Substances with a pH level lower than 7 are called acidic, while substances with a higher pH are called alkaline. The pH of foods doesn’t always correspond to their acid-forming or alkaline-forming properties in the body.

Through your understanding of the amounts of calories in foods, you may easily determine the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. Comparing food’s calorie-to-fat ratios may also aid in weight loss, weight gain or the maintenance of your weight. Traditionally, calorie amounts are written on the backs of food packaging. However, the number of calories in certain foods will soon become even more accessible. In October 2009, the FDA announced plans to require that companies place labels on the fronts of all food packaging. (Ref. 1.)

The liver is the body’s largest glandular organ. It weighs about 3 lbs. and is reddish purple in color. It lies beneath the diaphragm on the right hand side of the abdomen. The liver has a number of functions, including converting glucose to glycogen, breaking down fats, filtering toxins from the blood and storing minerals and vitamins. Having an adequate supply of vitamins in your diet can help ensure the healthy function of the liver.

Potassium nitrate, also called saltpeter, is water-soluble crystalline solid that is most commonly found in explosives and fertilizers. It can cause mild symptoms when people get exposed to it, including eye and throat irritation, so avoiding contact with the substance is recommended. However, there are some cases where you may need to use a product that contains potassium nitrate, so it is important to learn where it can be found and how to properly use products that contain it so you don’t compromise your health.

Many people are trying to eat healthier and cutting out eggs in their diets. One egg yolk contains over 200 milligrams of cholesterol. Yogavive.com explains that eggs hold a lot of protein and are used as a binder to hold food ingredients together in recipes, however substitutes are available that contain just as much protein but less fat and calories.