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What is soluble fiber? Why do we need it? Fiber is divided into two general categories - water soluble and water insoluble. This article will discuss soluble fiber. Information on insoluble fiber can be found elsewhere on this site. Soluble fibers are those that dissolve in water or swell when…

What is fish oil? Why do we need it? Fish oil is derived from fatty types of fish such as salmon and mackerel. The two main components of fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a pair of omega-3 fatty acids. Both help lower levels of blood…

What are flavonoids? Why do we need them? Flavonoids are the name given to a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids are often broken down into different categories depending on their actions and the types of food in which they are found. Some of the most well-known groups of flavonoids…

What is fluoride? Fluoride is a compound consisting of fluorine and one or more other elements. It occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride and is found primarily in the bones and teeth. Why do we need it? Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Studies have shown…

Why do we need folate? Folate, also known as folic acid, is considered a “brain food.” It is especially important in pregnancy because it helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation, which is vital to normal development. Folic acid is also needed for energy production and the formation…

What is fumaric acid? Why do we need it? Much like vitamin D, fumaric acid is formed by the body, in the skin, during exposure to sunlight. It is related to malic acid, and is involved in the production of energy derived from food. The exact uses of fumaric acid…

What is GABA? Why do we need it? GABA is short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, an amino acid produced naturally in the brain. It is manufactured from the amino acid glutamine and functions as a neurotransmitter, helping to foster communication between nerve cells and reduce stress. Previous research has shown that…

What is gamma-linolenic acid? Why do we need it? Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a type of fatty acid that comes from two main sources: It can be produced in the body from other essential acids, or it can be derived from the oils of certain plants such as black…

What is glucomannan? Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber derived from the konjac root, a Japanese plant. The plant is cleaned, and the fiber is purified before being used as a supplement. The main uses of glucomannan are to promote larger stools and improve digestion. Studies conducted on individuals suffering…

What is glucosamine? Why do we need it? Glucosamine is an important building block used by the body to manufacture specialized molecules in cartilage called clycosaminoglycans. It is not a typical part of the human diet; however, there are several forms of glucosamine available, the most common of which is…

What is glutamic acid? Glutamic acid is an amino acid used by the body to build proteins. It is usually present in the central nervous system 〈CNS〉, and is the most common type of excitatory, or stimulating, neurotransmitter in the CNS. It is produced by the body, and can also…

What is glutamine? Why do we need it? Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body; it is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. It can be converted into glucose when the body requires more glucose as an energy source; it can serve as…

What is glutathione? Glutathione is a small protein comprised of three amino acids - cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. It helps to detoxify the body by removing heavy metals, solvents and other toxins, and also acts as an antioxidant. Glutathione found in fruit and vegetables has been shown to protect…

What is glycine? Why do we need it? Glycine is a non-essential amino acid used by the body to build proteins. It is also considered the simplest amino acid because of its chemical structure. It is present in considerable amounts in prostate fluid. It is also an important building block…

What is grape seed extract? Why do we need it? Grape seed extract is a nutrient that belongs to the bioflavonoid family. It is derived from the seeds and skin of grapes, which can be green, red or purple in color. The active ingredients contained in grape seed extract are…

What is histidine? Histidine is considered a “semi-essential” amino acid; adults generally manufacture sufficient amounts of histidine, but children may require supplements at some time. It is also a precursor of histamine, a compound released by the immune system when a person has an allergic reaction. Histidine is needed to…

What is HMB? HMB is short for hydroxyl-beta-methylbultyrate. It is a derivative of leucine, an essential amino acid, and is also present in some foods. Research suggests that HMB plays a role in the synthesis of proteins, including the protein used to build new muscle tissue. A study published in…

What is hydroxycitric acid? Why do we need it? Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a chemical compound found in the garcinia cambogia , a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit native to Southeast Asia. The garcinia (also known as the Malabar tamarind) is often used as a condiment in curry dishes. Animal studies suggest…

What is indole? Why do we need it? Indole (also known as indole-3-carbinol) is a chemical found in leafy green vegetables that belong to the cabbage family. It is a member of a group of chemicals called glucosinates, and is created whenever cruciferous vegetables are crushed or cooked. Indole is…

What is inosine? Inosine is a nucleoside, one of the basic substances of which cells are comprised. It is a precursor to adenosine, an important molecule that plays a role in energy production and metabolism. It is also a precursor to uric acid, a naturally occurring substance that is believed…