By Catherine Murari-Kanti, M.S. Introduction: Folic acid received its name from the Latin word folium which means leaf since it was isolated from spinach leaves in 1941. [1] Folic acid is also called Vitamin B9 making it part of the B-complex of vitamins and folate is the…
By Wendy Brody, Pharm. D. Many people take fish oil supplements for cardiovascular health benefits. Fish oil, refers to the two marine omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Recent studies suggest fish oil may not have the cardiovascular benefits we once thought in certain…
In Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s famous play’s chapter Hexenküche (Witches’ kitchen) Faust, the protagonist poses the question of immortality to Mephistopheles to which the devil gives the following advice: Seek out a life of moderation, stop being lazy, exercise regularly by ploughing the field and avoid unhealthy…
Neerja L. Bisht, MD Summary Diabetes or diabetes mellitus (Type I or Type II) is a long-term condition leading to increased blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia. The need to control these levels is very important as uncontrolled increase in blood sugar levels can lead to serious damage to…
[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Gary Franke, Ph.D. Background Given the current obesity epidemics in the U.S. and around the world, the role of various nutrients on our health is increasingly important yet controversial. In general, there are vast amounts of scientific data and information available. At the…
The establishment of Koch’s postulates in microbiology that links specific microorganisms to specific diseases gave rise to the concept of ‘one microbe-one disease’. Since then the thought that microbes cause disease has always overshadowed the effect of good microbes present in the body. Through the Human Genome Project…
[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Suchitra Chari, MS Vitamins are organic (carbon-containing) molecules that are required in amounts to promote one or more specific and essential biochemical reactions within the living cell. There are fourteen vitamins and they are essential for normal growth and health of humans. We get…
[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Dr. Neerja L Bisht, MD Summary Obesity is a complex condition that can be caused by several factors. The condition leads to excess accumulation of body fat. Obesity can result in serious ill health, reduce a person’s quality of life, and in some cases…
DEFINITION Obesity is defined as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health”.1 With respect to obesity, it is important to understand the term “body mass index” (BMI). The BMI of a person helps in differentiating a normal person from an obese person. The BMI is basically an…