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What is bromelain? Why do we need it? Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in the stem and fruit of pineapples. It is composed of two proteolytic enzymes (bromelain A and B) and a handful of other substances, including perioxidase, acid phosphatase, protease inhibitors and calcium. Bromelain has demonstrated its…

Why do we need calcium? Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Calcium is essential to the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy teeth and bones. It is also necessary for regulating the heartbeat and lowering cholesterol levels. What are some good sources of calcium? Dairy products…

What is capsaicin? Why do we need it? Capsaicin is a chemical compound derived from peppers - specifically, Cayenne peppers. It is extremely hot, somewhat irritating, and pungent. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucus membranes, and is usually applied topically. Among its active ingredients are several capsaicinoids,…

What is carnitine? Why do we need it? Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that the body can manufacture. A dipeptide, carnitine is synthesized in the liver, brain and kidneys from two other amino acids, methionine and lysine. Carnitine helps transport fatty acids across the cell membrane, thereby increasing the…

What is carnosine? Carnosine is a small chemical compound found in the body, made from two amino acids - histidine and alanine. It is present in high amounts in several body tissues, including skeletal muscles, the heart and the brain. The exact role carnosine plays in the health and wellness…

What is chitosan? Why do we need it? Chitosan is a fiber-like substance derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crabs, shrimp and other shellfish. It possesses a positive ionic charge, which gives it the ability to chemically bond with negatively charged fats, lipids and bile. Unlike…

What is chloride? Chloride is a compound consisting of two elements, one of which is always chlorine. Chloride makes up about 0.15% of a person's body weight and is found in extracellular fluid, sweat and urine. Why do we need it? Chloride is essential for maintaining acid-base, electrolyte and fluid…

What is chlorophyll? Why do we need it? Chlorophyll is the substance responsible for giving green plants their color. It harnesses the sun’s energy during photosynthesis and is responsible for a variety of metabolic functions, including perspiration and growth. Interestingly, the chlorophyll molecule is chemically similar to human blood, except…

What is chondroitin? Why do we need it? Chondroitin is one of the major building blocks of cartilage. It consists of a series of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans, and helps create cartilage's structure. It also holds water and nutrients, and allows other molecules to move through cartilage. It…

What is chromium? Chromium is an essential trace mineral. It is bluish-white in appearance and is found naturally only in combination with other elements. Since it is not manufactured by the body, it must be obtained from one's diet. Why do we need it? Chromium is important in the metabolism…

What is CLA? CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It's a slightly different version of an essential fatty acid (linoleic acid), and is found in dairy products. In humans, it is produced from linoleic acid by bacteria that live in the intestinal tract. At present, scientists are unsure exactly what…

What is cobalt? Why do we need it? Cobalt is a hard, metallic element found in the body in trace amounts. In industry, cobalt is used in the production of magnetic allows, high-temperature metallic compounds, and pigments for glass and ceramics. New research is showing that cobalt also plays a…

What is coenzyme Q10? Why do we need it? Coenzyme Q10 is a substance found in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. It plays a role in the process that creates ATP, making it essential for energy production. Although Q10 is classified as an antioxidant, there has been…

What is copper? Copper is an essential trace element found throughout the body. The liver and brain contain the largest amounts of copper in the body; other organs contain smaller amounts. Why do we need it? Copper is essential to the absorption and utilization of iron; it also works with…

What is creatine? Why do we need it? Creatine is a well-known dietary supplement. Also known as creatine monohydrate, it is produced by the human body, present in muscle tissues, and used in the production of phosphocreatine, an important component in the formation of ATP, which is responsible for a…

What is cysteine? What do we need it? Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, a building block of proteins that occurs naturally in the human body. It can be synthesized from methionine and other amino acids, and acts as a component of other amino acids. Cysteine is one of the…

What is borage oil? Borage oil comes from the seeds of the borage plant. Large, with blue, star-shaped flowers, the borage grows naturally throughout Europe and North Africa; it is also cultivated commercially in the United States. The seeds are removed from the plant, then pressed or processed to obtain…

What is dalbergia? What is it used for? Also known as rosewood, dalbergia is a type of fragrant tree (the scientific name is lignum dalbergiae odoriferae ) that grows in China and other parts of Asia. It can reach a height of 35 to 45 feet, with elliptical leaves and…

What is damiana? Damiana is indigenous to Central America and Mexico. It grows in hot, humid climates such as those found in Texas, the Caribbean and southern Africa. The plant can reach a height of approximately two feet, with smooth, green leaves, yellow flowers and a many-seeded, globular fruit that…

What is dandelion? Dandelion is an extremely common plant found worldwide. It grows to a height of about 12 inches, with oblong, green leaves and distinctive yellow flowers that bloom year-round. When the plant matures, the flower turns into a fuzzy, globe-shaped cluster that contains seeds for propagation. In many…