Category: Human health

Over 90% of the nutrients and water the body gets from food comes from the digestive process. So, how does the body utilize nutrients from food? It is a fascinating, multi-step process involving mechanical and chemical breakdown, absorption, and finally, assimilation to power the body's growth, repair, and functions.

Nitrogen is the fourth most abundant element in the human body, but despite making up about 78% of the atmosphere, we cannot use it directly from the air. In order to function, humans must obtain the nitrogen necessary for their survival through a process of assimilation from the food they eat.

Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, making it the most abundant mineral in the human body. Can humans live without calcium? The unequivocal answer is no, as this mineral is essential for a wide array of critical physiological functions beyond just supporting the skeletal structure.

Did you know the average adult body contains 50–120 milligrams of copper? This essential mineral is naturally present and vital for numerous physiological processes, playing a critical role far beyond its tiny concentration.

Scientific evidence shows that the gut microbiota is a major site of synthesis for B vitamins. This ecosystem of intestinal bacteria plays a critical role in producing B vitamins, with significant implications for human health.

Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid, with a recommended daily intake of less than 2,300 mg for most healthy adults. Understanding what is the function of the mineral Na is key to appreciating its critical role in nearly every cell of your body.

As the second most abundant mineral in the body, after calcium, phosphorus is present in every cell and is essential for survival. Most people associate minerals with bones and teeth, and while 85% of the body's phosphorus is indeed stored there for structural support, its importance extends to every facet of human physiology, from energy metabolism to genetic material.

Unlike carbohydrates and fats, the human body has no dedicated or efficient storage system for excess dietary protein. Understanding how is protein stored in the human body requires looking at a complex metabolic process that prioritizes function over storage.

Iron is the most abundant micromineral in the human body, with an average adult possessing 3 to 5 grams, most of which is involved in blood production. This vital element is fundamental to life, playing a critical role far beyond its minuscule total body weight.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a balanced diet is crucial for protecting against noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This deep dive explores what is the balanced diet physiology, explaining how your body processes and utilizes nutrients to maintain health and optimal functioning.