HealthyPIG Magazine

Prebiotics are compounds in food that can induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The most common example is in the gastrointestinal tract, where prebiotics can change the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.

Dietary prebiotic compounds are usually indigestible fibers that pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract undigested and stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria, which are used as substrates to colonize the large intestine. As a functional food ingredient, prebiotics, like probiotics, are a conceptual intermediary between food and medicine. Depending on the jurisdiction, they are usually subject to mid-level regulatory review, especially health claims related to them made for marketing purposes.

Cashew is a kidney-shaped seed that comes from the cashew tree-a tropical tree native to Brazil but now grown in various warm climates around the world. Although "raw" cashews are widely sold, real raw cashews are not safe to eat because they contain a substance called urushiol, which is present in poison ivy. Urushiol is toxic, and exposure to it can cause skin reactions in some people. Cashew kernels are cooked during processing to remove this toxic liquid, and the resulting product is sold as "raw". Although they are commonly called tree nuts and are nutritionally equivalent to them, cashews are indeed seeds. They are rich in nutrients and beneficial plant compounds and are easy to add to many dishes.

Like most nuts, cashews may also help improve your overall health. They are associated with benefits such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and a healthier heart. This article reviews the nutrition, benefits and disadvantages of cashew nuts to determine if they are good for you.

Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CO2H)(CH2CO2H)2. Usually a white solid, it is a weak organic acid. It is naturally found in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate of the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. More than 2 million tons of citric acid are produced annually. It is widely used as an acidulant, flavoring agent and chelating agent

Enough niacin or vitamin B3 in the body is important for overall health. As a treatment, higher amounts of niacin can improve cholesterol levels.

Folic acid and folic acid are forms of vitamin B9 used to treat deficiencies and prevent pregnancy complications. Many foods contain or add folic acid. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, bread, pasta, baked goods, biscuits and biscuits as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally rich in folic acid include leafy vegetables, okra, asparagus, certain fruits, beans, yeast, mushrooms, animal liver and kidney, orange juice and tomato juice. Folic acid can also be used as a supplement, usually in combination with other B vitamins. Folic acid is used to prevent and treat low blood folate levels (folic acid deficiency) and high homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia). People who are pregnant or may be pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is also used for many other diseases, including depression, stroke, memory and thinking ability decline.

Vitamin C is a nutrient essential to health. It helps to form and maintain bones, skin and blood vessels. It is also an antioxidant. Vitamin C is naturally present in certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C supplements are also available. Other names for vitamin C include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and L-ascorbate. In this article, learn more about why we need vitamin C, how many vitamins we need, and where to find it.

Glycerin is a naturally occurring chemical substance. People use it as medicine. Certain uses and dosage forms have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Glycerin is most commonly used to treat constipation, improve hydration and athletic performance of athletes, and certain skin diseases. It is also used to treat meningitis, stroke, obesity, ear infections and other diseases, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Gelatin is a protein product derived from collagen. Due to its unique combination of amino acids, it has important health benefits. Gelatin has been shown to play a role in joint health and brain function, and can improve the appearance of skin and hair.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient naturally present in the body. CoQ10 is also present in many foods we eat. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, protects cells from damage, and plays an important role in metabolism.

For a long time, fish oil has been the main supplement for those interested in maintaining health. Ongoing research continues to provide new insights into the many benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish to human health. Many people are familiar with the superstars of those fatty acids; DHA and EPA. Little-known DPA is another important fatty acid that is making a comeback.

Tocotrienols are a group of chemicals that belong to the vitamin E family. So far, research has found many benefits associated with tocotrienols. Tocopherols are another group of chemicals that make up the vitamin E family. Both tocotrienol and tocopherol have four forms: α, β, δ, and γ. The average American’s diet contains more tocopherols than tocotrienols, so researchers are becoming more and more interested in how tocotrienol supplementation can improve health.