Understanding Glyconutrients

You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are not alone. Perhaps you have heard a bit about glyconutrients but you don't really know what they are or how they could benefit you. Understanding the role the glyconutrients play in the overall scheme of nutrition is very important if you are interested in supporting your own health and the health of those you know and love.

In the 26th edition of Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, chapter 47 is a new chapter on the subject of glycoproteins. These microscopic structures are essential to all cellular function. They are constructed of building blocks of protein and eight different monosaccharide sugars. That's right, glyconutrients are sugars. These necessary sugars are not the same as the table sugar we often think of when we look at all of the latest diet fads. Instead these glyconutrients are needed by every single cell of your body to perform essential functions.

What are some of the functions of glyconutrients and glycoproteins? Your body is a collection of cells. To function together, your cells must be able to communicate. Collectively glyconutrients are like the letters of the alphabet. They form together to create the words the cells use to express the instructions of your DNA. Glycoprotein structures allow the human egg to identify the human sperm, thus making fertilization possible.

Glyconutrients also influence hormone function, where they intervene in the release and transportation of some hormones. With over 80 different hormones controlling every facet of your life, can you see how important just this one role is?

Individually, glyconutrients have been shown to have specialized roles in the body. Just one of the sugars known as mannose inhibits certain pro inflammatory molecules causing asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and even lupus. In cellular studies it has been shown that mannose inhibits tumor growth and blocks communication between tumor cells.

The research of glyconutrients has created a new field known as glycobiology or glycomics. In the February, 2003 issue of the Technology Review Journal, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology listed glycomics as one of the ten immerging discoveries that will change the world. Why? Possibly it is because the discovery of the role of these glyconutrients has fundamentally altered our understanding of cellular biology. This new field of study opens new doors in the understanding of nutritional needs as well as the development of new medical technology and of new approaches to therapeutic medications.

You can apply this new science to your daily life without waiting. Research has shown that only two of these eight sugars are prevalent in our modern diet. Supplementation that contains a patented blend of these glyconutrients has been available from one company for over ten years. Glyconutrients should be considered an essential part of any person's overall nutritional program.

Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness coach, member of the American International Association of Nutritional Education (AIANE) and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide telephone lecture on health and nutrition.

For additional information, please visit his site on nutrition and glyconutrient at http://www.glycoboy.com or http://www.glycowellness.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com

---

Garlic - Join Me And I´ll Show You Why Garlic Can Save Your Life

Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More

How You Can Support Your Immune System

Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More

Redeeming Unsaturated Fat

The most dreaded word in many dieter's vocabulary is 'fat'.... Read More

MonaVie Acai Berry Juice - The Tree of Life from Amazonian Rainforest...

What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More

Reverse Disease and Maintain Optimal Health

PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More

True Health - Following Your Inner Knowing

Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Over... Read More

The 9 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reading a Food Label

NutrientsFat, Sugar, Sodium and CarbohydrateThe sections on a food label... Read More

Sleep for Joy

Better sleep = better metabolism. I have been saying it... Read More

Artificial Sweeteners - Are They Safe?

To research the health risks Sweet 'N Low and other... Read More

Fattening Foods: Not So Fattening After All?

Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More

Stay Healty, Eat more Fish and Seafood

There are a lot of very good reasons to eat... Read More

Fruit for Breakfast ? The Secret to a Healthy Life

Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More

Inactive Alert: Essential Proteins for Sedentary People

The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More

The Minefield Of Eating Out On A Gluten Free Diet

Eating out when you are on a restricted diet always... Read More

Why You Should Eat Healthier

Every where you look you see articles or news or... Read More

Food for Potential Energy

FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More

Buying Organic Produce: 6 Tips on How to Shop Wisely and Save Money

Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More

Green Tea and Your Health

Green tea has been used as for medical remedies in... Read More

The Business Traveler?s Diet Problem: Staying Fit When on the Run

Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed... Read More

Avoiding Nutritionally Deficient Foods After Gastric Bypass

After WLS we must concentrate on eating nutrient rich food.... Read More

A Background to Dietary Fiber

Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More

Time Line of the Development of GlycoBiology and GlycoNutritionals

1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More

Improve Your Eating Habits.

1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More

Cherries Taste Great and Build Health

You must add some fresh cherries, which are now in... Read More

Is Your Food Aging You?

Did you know that the food you eat could be... Read More

Got Soy? Milk, Snuff, and Soy Beans

Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More

Poor Dental Hygiene May Account for Poor Health

Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More

The Joys of Being Healthy

It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More

Nutrient Requirements of Women in Sport

Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More

Trade In Your Diet For A Lifestyle!

Dieting is a pain. I think basically everyone would agree... Read More

Lesser of Two Evils: Splenda or Equal?

While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More

Snack Attack - How to Keep Your Hunger Between Meals from Getting the Best of You

The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More

pH and Weight Loss

THE RISKNo doubt you've heard of the increasingly popular "raw... Read More