Search Acupuncture Today

What is vitamin D? Vitamin D is actually a term for a group of hormones that are stored mainly in the liver, as well as fat and muscle tissue. It is one of three vitamins naturally manufactured by the body, and it is produced by a chemical reaction to the…

What is vitamin E? Also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver. It is one of three vitamins which also act as antioxidants. Why do we need it? In its role as an antioxidant, vitamin E helps neutralize unstable particles called free…

What is vitamin K? Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver and the body's fat reserves. It is one of two naturally occurring vitamins in the body and is produced by bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract. Why do we need it? Vitamin K's most important role…

What is whey protein? Why do we need it? Whey protein is a dairy-based source of amino acids. During the process of making milk into cheese, whey protein is separated from the milk, then incorporated back into a variety of food products. Whether as an ingredient in foods or as…

What is xylitol? What is it used for? Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, fruits and vegetables, in addition to being produced by the body. It is an alcohol form of xylose, and is often used as a sweetener. Xylitol is also a component of many manufactured…

What is Zinc? Zinc is an important trace mineral. A bluish-white, metallic element, it is second only to iron in terms of its concentration in the body. Why do we need it? Zinc plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body's immune system. Several studies have shown…

What is n-acetyl cysteine? Why do we need it? N-acetyl cysteine is an altered form of cysteine, an amino acid found in most types of foods and synthesized in the body. The body derives cysteine from n-acetyl cysteine. N-acetyl cysteine helps the body break down mucus. Research conducted in the…

What is NADH? Why do we need it? NADH stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It's a chemical compound, and the active coenzyme form of vitamin B3. As such, it plays an essential role in the body's energy production. Recent research has focused on the potential uses of NADH and neurological…

What is naringin? Why do we need it? Naringin is a type of flavonoid, a water-soluble pigment, found in grapefruits. By itself, naringin has little nutritional value, other than being responsible for giving grapefruit its bitter flavor, and possibly enhancing one's sense of taste. As a dietary supplement, however, naringin…

What is niacin? Niacin, a white crystalline substance, belongs to the B-vitamin group. A water-soluble vitamin, it is absorbed in the intestines and carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. After the body uses what it needs, any excess niacin is excreted in urine. Why do we need it? Niacin…

What is octacosanol? Why do we need it? Octacosanol is a solid, insoluble waxy substance that belongs to the fatty alcohol family. It is isolated from the wax usually found on the green blades of what, and can also be found in wheat germ oil. It is the primary component…

What is oligosaccharides? Oligosaccharides are short chains of sugar molecules. There are several kinds of oligosaccharides, each made from different types of sugars. Fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin oligosaccharides consist of short chains of fructose molecules, while galacto-oligosaccharides consist of short chains of galactose molecules. All three types of oligosaccharides occur naturally,…

What is olive leaf extract? Why do we need it? Also known as oleuropein, olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree. There are approximately 800 million olive trees in existence, the vast majority of which are located in and about the Mediterranean region. Olive leaf extract…

What is ornithine? Why do we need it? Ornithine is an amino acid manufactured by the body. It is produced when another amino acid, arginine, is metabolized during the production of urea, a substance found in human urine. It plays an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen and is…

What is DHA? DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid. It is a type of fatty acid that belongs to a class of substances called essential fatty acids. It is produced naturally by the body, and is also present in a wide range of foods. DHA has been shown to reduce…

What is DHEA? Why do we need it? DHEA is an abbreviation for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands and converted into other hormones as needed. It is the most abundant androgen in the body; on average, the adrenals produce between 15 and 30 milligrams of…

What is DMAE? Why do we need it? DMAE stands for dimethylaminoethanol, a chemical produced naturally in the body, but which is also available from some dietary sources. It plays an important part in many of the brain's chemical processes, and may serve as a precursor to the brain chemical…

What is EGCG? Why do we need it? EGCG stands for epigallocatechin gallate. It's a chemical substance found in green tea, and is considered to be responsible for most of the healthy benefits associated with green tea. In particular, EGCG is a polyphenol, which helps with the production of certain…

What is evening primrose oil? Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Similar to borage oil, which is discussed elsewhere on this site, evening primrose oil's main ingredient is gamma linolenic acid, a type of fatty acid that the body converts to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1),…

What is insoluble fiber? Why do we need it? Fiber is divided into two general categories - water soluble and water insoluble. This article will discuss insoluble fiber. Information on soluble fiber can be found elsewhere on this site. Insoluble fiber is a subclass of dietary fiber, and is considered…