The Flavonoids Explained

A selection of flavonoid rich foods.

WHAT ARE THE FLAVONOIDS? The flavonoids (also known as bioflavonoids, polyphenols or vitamin P) are probably the most well known group of phytonutrients (a group of chemical compounds which occur naturally in plants and have numerous health benefits but are not considered essential nutrients).  The flavonoid group is comprised of 9 separate sub-groups: - Anthocyanins (which include cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and petunidin). - Chalconoids. - Coumestans (which include coumestrol). - Flavanones (which include hesperidin, naringenin and silymarin). - … [Read more...]

Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA / Vitamin Bx) Explained

spinach2 (424 x 283)

WHAT IS PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID? Para-aminobenzoic acid (also known as PABA or vitamin Bx) is an unofficial water soluble, B complex vitamin.  Para-aminobenzoic acid is not considered a true vitamin because it is part of vitamin B9 and can be produced in the body by intestinal bacteria.  However, it is a powerful antioxidant (substances that protect the body from oxygen related damage) and also keeps the skin and hair healthy.  In this article I will be looking at para-aminobenzoic acid in greater detail. WHEN WAS PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID DISCOVERED? Para-aminobenzoic acid was … [Read more...]

Inositol (Myo-Inositol / Vitamin B8) Explained

A chopped, red grapefruit.

WHAT IS INOSITOL? Inositol (also known as myo-inositol or vitamin B8) is an unofficial water soluble, B complex vitamin.  It is not officially classed as a vitamin because it can be produced by intestinal bacteria in the body.  Inositol works very closely with choline to maintain healthy cell membranes, metabolise fats and much more.  In this article I will be discussing inositol in greater detail. WHEN WAS INOSITOL DISCOVERED? Inositol was initially isolated in 1849 by Scherer.  In 1915 Wieland and Wishart became the first people to produce inositol and the full chemical … [Read more...]

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 / Ubiquinone) Explained

A jug of canola oil next to a canola flower.

WHAT IS COENZYME Q10? Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone) is a vitamin like substance that has antioxidant properties.  Whilst coenzyme Q10 is not technically a vitamin (because it can be produced by the body in small amounts) it is unofficially classified as a fat soluble vitamin.  In this article I will be discussing coenzyme Q10 in greater detail. WHEN WAS COENZYME Q10 DISCOVERED? Coenzyme Q10 was first isolated from beef heart mitochondria in 1957 by Dr Frederick Crane of Wisconsin, USA.  Later that year Professor Morton of England managed to extract coenzyme Q10 from … [Read more...]

How Much Of Each Micromineral Should You Consume?

A woman weighing food on mini scales.

The microminerals are 17 essential nutrients that your body needs in relatively small amounts to function effectively.  Failing to stick to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for any of the microminerals can have a number of unpleasant side effects.  Today I am going to help you avoid any potential negative side effects and discuss how much of each micromineral you should consume. 1) ARSENIC RDA:- There is currently no official RDA for arsenic but most sources suggest an intake of between 0.125 milligrams (mg) and 0.025mg per day is adequate. Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL):- There is … [Read more...]

10 Fantastic Micromineral Food Sources

Three cloves of garlic with some parsley.

The microminerals are 17 nutrients that are required by your body in amounts of less than 100 milligrams (mg) per day.  Despite the small serving size, they have numerous health benefits in the body and it is essential that you make them part of your diet.  Today I am here to help you do just that with a detailed list of 10 micromineral food sources. 1) ALMONDS Almonds are a great, natural snack food which are packed full of nutrients.  They can be eaten on their own, as part of a dried fruit and nut mix or even fried and served with seafood.  Almonds have antioxidant properties and … [Read more...]

25 Negative Symptoms of Micromineral Deficiency

A skeletal x-ray focussing on the shoulder.

The microminerals are a selection of 17 nutrients that your body needs in relatively small amounts (generally less than 100 milligrams (mg) per day).  Getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of each one has countless benefits and supports all round good health.  Unfortunately failing to meet these RDAs can have the opposite effect and negatively affect your health.  In this article I will be discussing 25 of the negative symptoms of micromineral deficiency and also discussing how you can avoid them. 1) BLOOD PROBLEMS:- Being deficient in certain microminerals can cause a variety of … [Read more...]

19 Negative Side Effects of Micromineral Overdose

A man sitting on the toilet with clenched fists.

The microminerals are a selection of 17 nutrients that your body requires in relatively small amounts (generally less than 100 milligrams (mg) per day).  Consuming the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of each one helps support almost every process in your body and is highly beneficial to your health.  However, consuming too much can have the opposite effect and be very damaging to your health.  In this article I will be discussing 19 of the negative side effects of micromineral overdose and also outlining how you can avoid overdosing on the microminerals. 1) BLOOD PROBLEMS:- Eating too … [Read more...]

25 Top Micromineral Health Benefits

A basket containing a selection of fruit and nuts.

The microminerals receive very little publicity when it comes to heatlhy eating.  However, each one is essential for good health and should be included as part of your diet.  In this article I will be discussing exactly how they benefit your health and providing 25 of the top macromineral benefits. 1) ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS:- Antioxidants are nutrients which protect your body from free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen based reactions that cause oxidative damage).  Oxidative damage has been linked with a number of health problems including cancer, diabetes and a weak immune system.  … [Read more...]

The 17 Microminerals Explained

A basket of nuts next to a pile of fruit on a white background.

In my latest selection of articles I have been covering the microminerals individually.  Today I will be bringing all the information from these articles together and summarising the 17 microminerals, the ways they benefit your health, the richest food sources and the adverse effects of both deficiency and overdose. WHAT ARE MICROMINERALS? The microminerals are 17 minerals that your body requires in very small quantities (hence the term 'micro').  They are part of the micronutrient family (a group of nutrients which includes minerals and vitamins).  Micronutrients are different to … [Read more...]