Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient that is best-known for helping our bodies to normalize bowel movements by sweeping the intestines of accumulated matter. However, fiber also has numerous other uses in the body. It binds itself to cancer-causing toxins in the colon, helps to stabilize blood glucose levels by absorbing sugar, and even helps to reduce total cholesterol by encouraging the liver to make more bile salts. Consequently, it is important that we eat…
Magnesium is a vital macromineral that is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It regulates enzyme reactions, aids the production of energy, helps our body transport ions across our cell membranes, and more. Indeed, all of our organs require magnesium to function properly. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiencies are pandemic worldwide. In the United States alone, experts estimate that between 50 and 80 percent of the population suffers from a deficiency, which can…
Vitamin A is the name given to a group of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds. It is considered an essential vitamin, and performs a large number of roles in our bodies including maintaining vision, supporting the immune system, and aiding gene transcription. Unfortunately, vitamin A deficiencies are becoming increasingly common worldwide. These deficiencies, which can result in deteriorating eyesight, rough skin, and greater susceptibility to disease, are almost always caused by poor diet. Therefore, the best way…
The essential trace mineral zinc performs a surprisingly large number of roles in our bodies. It promotes enzyme activity, helps manufacture immune-boosting T-cells in our bloodstreams, works as an antioxidant, and more. Despite being found in many foods, however, zinc deficiencies are common. In fact, experts estimate that 12 percent of the total population (and 40 percent of the elderly population) of the United States suffers from a deficiency, which can result in compromised immunity,…
Along with radiation poisoning, heavy metal toxicity is one of the most pressing health issues of our time. Our environment is absolutely saturated with mercury, aluminum, lead, and other metals that constantly enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, the skies we pollute, and countless other ways. Unsurprisingly, such bioaccumulation is proven to possess a long-term threat to our mental and physiological health, prompting a growing number of health-minded individuals…
