It seems that there are so many health supplements available in the market today. One of the newest kids on the block is glyconutrients. What are these nutrients and what do they have to do with good health?
Glyconutrients are not a drug. They are not a vitamin, mineral, herb, or homeopathic remedy. They are a nutrient of their own kind. They are not really something that should be considered a discovery but rather an awakening. They have been around since the beginning of time. It just took technology to find out what the applications for these very important nutrients are.
Glyco comes from a Greek word meaning sweetness. So Glyconutrient means sugar nutrient. Do not be fooled by the sweet name. These nutrients are not like table sugar which is also referred to as sucrose. We all know that too much of this kind of sugar leads to many health problems. Problems like stressing out the pancreas, ruining teeth, leading to obesity and literally starving the body.
Glyconutrients are made up of plant saccharides (sugars). They are not sweet like sucrose. This is going to get a little scientific but hang on while I try to describe it to you in simple terms. It has been discovered that these simple sugars combine in the body with different substances. They especially combine with proteins and lipids. When they form with proteins they make a glycoprotein. These glycoproteins are now known to be critical for all cell-to-cell communication.
There are actually over 200 of these simple sugars known in nature. Only eight of these are commonly found in the sugar chains of glycoproteins. The names of the eight known necessary sugars are: glucose, galactose, fucose, mannose, xylose, n-acetylglucosamine, n-acetylgalactosamine, and n-acetylneuraminic acid.
Rather than going into anymore scientific information let's look at what this means in your body. Glyconutrients have been discovered to facilitate cell-to-cell communication. Our cells are in constant communication on a daily basis. Disease actually begins as a miss communication with our cells or no communication at all. The bottom line is if we have healthy cells, they then make up healthy tissues, to healthy organs, to healthy systems.
Healthy cells = Healthy Tissues = Healthy Organs = Healthy Systems = Healthy You!
So why do we need to supplement with these nutrients?
As most health conscious people know our food is now what it used to be. Soil is now more depleted of nutrients than ever. Green harvesting is done so our fruits and vegetables ripen on the grocery shelf rather than the vine. Many of the most important nutrients in our produce come from the vine in the ripening process. Over processed food also contributes greatly to our nutrient-deficient food.
The truth is our body can actually make all of the eight necessary glyconutrients. Problem is this is supposed to be a back up system, not the primary system. Our food has changed so much, even in the last 50 years, that we only get maybe 2 out of the 8 necessary sugars in our modern diets. If you need proof that our diets are lacking something look around you. It is very evident that people are getting sicker and sicker, at younger and younger ages. Just read a magazine or watch the news to confirm that statement!
So how will glyconutrients improve our health?
At one time in our history Scurvy was known as a very horrible disease. Then one day someone discovered it was simply a vitamin C deficit. It seemed miraculous when those suffering a horrible disease were given the nutrient they needed and they got better.
The most important nutrient in our diet is always the one that is missing!
You may ask yourself if these nutrients are so great why doesn't my doctor know about them. The truth is doctor's study and practice medicine not nutrition! Remember that glyconutrients are not a medicine they are literally a food!
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, have tried many supplements without any real improvement it is time to look at what may be missing! If you would like more information about glyconutrients, click on the link in the resource box to get more information.
Copyright © Mary Thayer
Mary Thayer is passionate about wellness and health promotion. Learn the secret to how she went from a sick and tired frequent doctor visitor, to a vibrant, full of energy, and happy woman!
Visit http://www.optimalhealthbiz.org to learn how to Look Good, Feel Good, and Live Well!
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