Tag: Nutraceuticals

According to research published in the journal *Food Chemistry Toxicology*, allyl isothiocyanate, or AITC, is rapidly absorbed and shows potential as a cancer chemopreventive agent. But the question remains: is allyl isothiocyanate good for you and is it safe to consume at dietary levels?

Pyruvic acid, or its salt pyruvate, is a key compound in cellular metabolism, involved in the conversion of glucose into energy. While the body produces all the pyruvate it needs, supplemental forms have been marketed for decades for uses like weight loss and athletic enhancement. However, the crucial question remains: can pyruvic acid be used as a supplement effectively and safely?

Over 50,000 different species of microalgae exist globally, with certain types now widely recognized and consumed for their exceptional nutritional value. While some are highly beneficial, others can be toxic. So, are microalgae edible across the board? The answer lies in species differentiation, controlled cultivation, and proper processing.

In 1846, French chemist Theodore Gobley first isolated a substance from egg yolks that he named lecithin, from the Greek word *lekithos* for egg yolk. This discovery revealed that the most prominent phospholipid found in egg yolks is phosphatidylcholine, a critical component of lecithin.

Archaeologists have found evidence of humans consuming macroalgae (seaweed) for thousands of years, but the focus has shifted to their microscopic cousins. The answer to "can humans eat microalgae?" is a resounding yes, and species like spirulina and chlorella are already widely available as dietary supplements and food ingredients.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, high-quality shilajit has been revered for its rejuvenating properties for centuries. A key component responsible for many of its benefits is fulvic acid, but the ideal fulvic acid percentage in shilajit is often debated.

Originating from the Garo Hills of Northeast India, the endangered wild citrus species *Citrus indica* holds significant cultural and medicinal value for local communities, particularly the Garo tribe. This small, sour fruit is utilized for far more than culinary purposes, including traditional remedies and spiritual ceremonies.

Recent research indicates that cellular NAD+ levels can decline by as much as 50% with age, impacting cellular energy and repair functions. Understanding what vitamins NAD contains is therefore crucial for maintaining metabolic health, as the body relies on these specific precursors to synthesize this vital coenzyme for proper cellular function.

Turmeric powder typically contains only 2% to 9% curcuminoids, making the direct consumption of the spice an inefficient way to ingest high concentrations. This is why it is possible to extract curcumin from turmeric, and why there are many different methods for isolating this potent compound.

With NAD+ levels declining by up to 50% by middle age, many people are turning to precursors like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to potentially support cellular function and counteract the effects of aging. Who takes NMN supplements is a question that reveals a growing demographic of health-conscious individuals seeking to proactively manage their well-being.