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

---

Food Intolerance

Many people experience unpleasant reactions to foods they have eaten... Read More

Small Changes Yield Big Benefits

You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More

When Is The Penny Going To Finally Drop For People?

Hi Readers,My message today is simple short and perhaps blunt... Read More

The Importance of Water

Water is the most abundant substance in the human body.... Read More

The Five Keys to Healthy Eating

1. Enjoy what you eatWhether someone is following the Atkins... Read More

5 Tips for Dining Out and Eating Healthily

Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More

Constipation Cures Exposed!

If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More

What You Need To Know About Inflammation

Inflammation is not a disease.Inflammation is best described as a... Read More

Guerilla Health Tactics: 5 Snappy Rules For a Healthier, Happier You

The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More

Just What Is A Carbohydrate Anyway?

During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More

The Face of the Waters

The story of creation begins with water. Water is an... Read More

Adding to Your Level of Health is the Key

Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More

Dont Allow Your Food To Control You

Food addiction isn't a problem. Pretending like you can't live... Read More

Glutamates

Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More

How To Prevent Hypoglycemia

Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More

Juicing - A Beginners Guide

You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More

Got Sprouts?

They're not only good for you, but they taste good,... Read More

How to Substitute Fat in Your Everyday Diet

Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More

Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate

Who suffers from Eating Disorders?Eating Disorder sufferers are male and... Read More

Focus On Fiber: How Much Is Enough?

Looking for an easy and natural way increase your vitality... Read More

Heart Health ? Fish Oils To The Rescue

In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More

A Background to Dietary Fiber

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

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil -- Why Is It Different?

A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More

Eating to Gain Mass

This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More

Fat Burning Compatible Foods

Fat burning compatible foods seem to be a popular topic... Read More

6 Ways to Eat More Healthfully

With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More

Mangos: Treat Your Skin and Your Taste Buds

Mango is my favorite fruit next to pineapples. They're sweet,... Read More

Capsulized Food: The Next Step in Food Evolution

Anyone who has spent a day fasting from food, or... Read More

Why Fad Diets Don?t Work

Fad diets have been around for more than 50 years... Read More

Protein Wont Make You Fat: Myth #1

How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More

Who Said Bananas Are Not Good For You?

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in... 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

Tips to Avoid Trans Fats Hidden In Food

Recently, trans fats have risen to the forefront of the... Read More