Algenic Acide
Algenic acid is an amino acid. Amino acids are the basic components of protein.
Beta-Carotene
The Beta-Carotene compound has properties that help cell growth and maturation. Some reports suggest that use of this vitamin may prevent the development of various malignancies. This compound may also be helpful in preventing colon cancer and melanoma. Beta-Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A in the body.
Boron
Boron is a trace mineral. Research studies show that boron is critical to the bodies' natural production of hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. It is also necessary for intake of calcium necessary for healthy bones and muscles.
Cadmium
Cadmium is a trace mineral.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral found in bones, shells and limestone, among other materials. It builds and maintains bones and teeth, regulates heart rhythm and helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of cell walls. Calcium also assists in normal blood clotting, maintaining proper nerve and muscle function, and lowering blood pressure.
Calcium is deficient in many diets. Calcium consumption along with exercise is the best means to prevent calcium deficiency. When people "shrink" with age, it is due to vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, from lack of calcium.
Foods that contain calcium include: beans, cheese, collard greens, fortified orange juice, ice cream or ice milk, kelp, milk, salmon, sardines with bones, soy milk, tofu processed with calcium salts, turnip greens or kale, and yogurt.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a mineral.
Choline
The mineral choline is very important in controlling fat and cholesterol buildup in the body. It also prevents fat from accumulating in the liver, facilitates the movement of fats in the cells, and helps regulate the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. It is also important for nerve transmission and improving memory.
Chromium
Chromium works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels. This mineral also cleans the arteries by reducing cholesterol levels and helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them. Medical research has shown that persons with low levels of chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to cancer and heart problems, as well as diabetes.
Copper
Copper is necessary for the absorption and use of iron by the body. This mineral also helps oxidize vitamin C, aids in the formation of red blood cells, and helps proper bone formation and maintenance.
Fatty Acids
Although we are often warned to avoid fat in our diets, there are some types of fat that are needed for the body to function properly. These are essential fatty acids, or EFAs. Some, like Linoleic Acid and Alpha-Linolenic Acid, are polyunsaturated fatty acids that can only be obtained from what we eat.
Fucoidan
Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide. It may be a cancer fighting substance, able to break down cancer cells. It is found in kelp.
Gamma Linolenic Acid
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is part of the Omega 6 series of essential fatty acids. GLA is needed for cell metabolism and growth. GLA can also help relieve the symptoms of PMS. A variety of factors can block production of GLA. These include: a lack of zinc, magnesium and Vitamins C, B-6, B-3 and A; or a diet high in fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Iodine
Iodine aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland. The condition of hair, skin, and teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland. This mineral also regulates the body's production of energy and helps burn excess fat by stimulating metabolism.
Iron
The major function of iron is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to tissues needing oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and disease. This mineral also prevents fatigue and promotes good skin tone.
Kelp
Kelp is a brown seaweed. Most seaweeds are divided into three groups according to their colour, either green, brown, or red. Certain species of kelp, such as Laminaria, are known for their health properties.
Linoleic Acid
The most important essential fatty acid is Linoleic Acid, which is used in the synthesis of other essential fatty acids such as Gamma Linolenic Acid. Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturate, which can be obtained from dietary sources such as seeds, oils, vegetables and grains. Unfortunately many dietary and lifestyle factors can seriously reduce the body's ability to properly use Linoleic Acid.
Magnesium
The mineral magnesium plays an important role in regulating neuromuscular activity of the heart and maintaining normal heart rhythm. It is necessary for proper calcium and Vitamin C metabolism, and converting blood sugar into energy.
Foods that contain magnesium include: nuts, legumes, whole grains, and green vegetables.
Manganese
Manganese is an antioxidant nutrient and is necessary for the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. It is also used in the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin E. Manganese activates various enzymes important for proper food digestion. It is also a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol and is necessary for normal skeletal development.
Melatonin
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, when our eyes register darkness. Melatonin helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people have fewer problems sleeping than older people. Melatonin may have other uses and has been reported to strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body.
Minerals
All tissues and internal fluids of our body contain varying quantities of minerals. Minerals are constituents of bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are vital to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, including muscle response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system, the production of hormones, digestion, and the use of nutrients in foods. Vitamins cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals. The body cannot manufacture minerals itself.
Niacin (Vitamin B-3)
Niacin improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood. This vitamin also maintains the nervous system and helps metabolize protein, sugar, and fat. It reduces high blood pressure and increases energy through proper use of food. Niacin helps maintain a healthy skin, tongue, and digestive system.
Foods that contain niacin include: brewer's yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, kelp, milk, peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, and whole wheat products.
Nickel
Nickel is a trace mineral.
Omega-3 and 6
Omega-3 and 6 are types of essential fatty acids. See fatty acids.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral. It is a major component of bones and teeth, and makes up part of DNA and RNA. Phosphorus acts as the main regulator of energy metabolism in cells, and helps the body absorb glucose and transport fatty acids. It is also helps control the acid-base balance of the body.
Foods that contain phosphorus include: protein-rich foods like milk, meat, fish, eggs and poultry, legumes and nuts, as well as kelp.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens. Some studies have shown that they may play a role in conditions such as cancer.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral. It works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms. It aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain, and preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids. Potassium stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes. It also assists in reducing high blood pressure and promotes healthy skin.
Foods that contain potassium include: avocados, baked potato, bananas, beans, broccoli, cantaloupes, collard greens, dates, honeydew melon, kelp, milk, nectarines, orange juice, prunes, tomatoes, spinach, and winter squash.
Seaweed
Seaweeds are large algae that grow in the sea. They are plants, although they lack true stems, roots, and leaves. They do, however, have a blade that is leaflike (called a frond), a stipe that is stemlike, and a holdfast that resembles a root.
Sodium
Sodium is a trace mineral. It is found throughout the body, usually in the form of sodium chloride or table salt. Sodium helps maintain the body's proper water balance and blood chemistry. Sodium is also required for digestion, muscular functions, and smooth functioning of the nervous system.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a trace mineral. It forms an integral part of virtually all human tissues, especially those highest in protein, such as red blood cells, muscles, skin and hair. Sulfur protects our cells from the damaging effects of radiation and air pollution, thereby slowing down the cellular aging process.
It also aids in the conversion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy, and as a component of collagen, helps to keep skin cells supple and elastic. Sulfur is also needed for the digestion of fats, activating enzymes, and regulating blood clotting.
Trace Minerals
Trace Minerals are minerals that occur in tiny amounts, or traces. They play a major role in health, since even minute portions of them can have powerful effects. They are vital for the assimilation and use of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and provide the catalyst for many hormones, enzymes, and essential body functions and reactions. Trace minerals also protect against toxic reaction and heavy metal poisoning.
Vitamins
All natural vitamins are organic food substances found only in living things, that is, plants and animals. With few exceptions, the body cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied in the diet or in dietary supplements.
Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning of our bodies and for our growth, vitality, and general well-being. They also help regulate metabolism, convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bones and tissue.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in two forms: as retinol in foods from animal sources, and as carotenoids in foods from plant sources, beta carotene being the most common. Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of body tissues. It helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin. Vitamin A also helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections. It protects against air pollutants, counteracts weak eyesight, and aids in bone and teeth formation.
Foods that contain Vitamin A include: green and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, garlic, kelp, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin B Complex
The B complexes help nerve functions, and are important membrane stabilizers. They are natural tranquilizers or anti-stress vitamins. Water-soluble, they are not stored in the body in any significant amounts, and must be replaced periodically.
The B complex vitamins contain PABA, important in protecting the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. PABA also helps protect against the development of skin cancer or sun-induced skin damage, such as wrinkling and solar keratoses.
People who eat excessive amounts of carbohydrates, mainly as sugar, with no time to plan proper meals, as well as vegans, vegetarians, and those on milk free diets can benefit from the B complexes in particular.
Foods that contain Vitamin B complex include: brewers yeast, liver, and whole grain cereals, beef, poultry, fish and dairy products, fortified cereals, fruit juice, soy and bread products, organ meats, such as liver and kidney, egg yolks, crab, oyster, salmon and herring, and kelp.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 is necessary for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Vitamin B2 helps maintain cell respiration, and is needed for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails, and hair. It also helps prevent cataracts, and promotes general health.
Foods that contain Vitamin B2 include: cheese, egg yolks, legumes, milk, spinach, whole grains, and yogurt. It is also found in asparagus, avocados, broccoli, brussel sprouts, currants, dulse, kelp, mushrooms and watercress.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia. It is necessary for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 also promotes growth in children, increases energy, and is needed for calcium absorption.
Foods that contain Vitamin B12 include: animal sources, fortified breakfast cereals, and kelp.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is important for tissue healing and is an anti-oxidant. Water soluble, Vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat, light, as well as the process of storing, peeling, freezing and cooking food. Smoking and alcohol consumption will increase the loss of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth, gums, and bones. It helps heal wounds, scar tissue, and fractures. It builds resistance to infection, and aids in the prevention and treatment of the common cold.
Vitamin C gives strength to blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular "cement" which holds tissues together. Vitamin C also prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, lunch meats, and some vegetables) into cancer-causing substances.
Foods that contain Vitamin C include: berries, citrus fruits and green vegetables, such as asparagus, avocados, cantaloupe, collards, dulse, grapefruit, kale, kelp, onions, oranges, pineapples, watercress.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant vitamin in the body. It helps prevents cell damage by counteracting free radicals, which are by-products of oxygen metabolism. These free radicals are thought to be a key cause of many degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and senility.
Vitamin E also supplies oxygen to the blood, which is then carried to the heart and other organs, thus alleviating fatigue. It aids in bringing nourishment to cells, strengthening the capillary walls, and preventing and dissolving blood clots. Vitamin E is a yellow oil that is insoluble in water but soluble in fats and oils. It is transported around the body dissolved by fats, and is stored in the fatty tissue to be used when needed.
Foods that contain Vitamin E include whole grain cereals, vegetable oils, raw seeds, nuts, soya beans, and kelp.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element found in every cell of the human body. It is important in wound healing, and is helpful in the treatment of acne. It also functions as an anti-oxidant. This mineral is necessary for protein synthesis, and helps in normal tissue function. It also aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus and maintains the body's alkaline balance.
Foods that contain zinc include: meat, liver, eggs, seafood (especially oysters), and kelp.
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