What is vitamin K? Vitamin K is the generic name for a family of compounds which contain a common chemical structure. It is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in some foods and available as a dietary supplement. The main form of dietary vitamin K is known as phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and is present primarily in … Continue reading Back to Basics: Vitamin K
Back to Basics: Magnesium
What is magnesium? Magnesium is a mineral found in abundance in the body, naturally in many foods, and added to other food products. Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzyme systems that regulate protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It is also required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation … Continue reading Back to Basics: Magnesium
Back to Basics: Potassium
What is potassium? Potassium is an essential mineral found naturally in many foods. It is present in all body tissues and is needed to maintain normal cell, kidney, and heart function. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and makes nerves and muscles function. It has a strong relationship with sodium, and both are responsible for … Continue reading Back to Basics: Potassium
Back to Basics: Vitamin A
What is vitamin A? Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids including retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. It is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication. Vitamin A also supports cell growth and differentiation and has a critical role in the normal function and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other … Continue reading Back to Basics: Vitamin A
Back to Basics: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What are omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are a major class of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are different from saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids because they contain 2 or more double bonds in their carbon skeleton. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). … Continue reading Back to Basics: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry
When you think of foods high in vitamin C what's the first food you think of? An orange probably right? But did you know that there are a multitude of foods that contain a comparable amount of vitamin C to oranges? Foods such as red bell peppers, sweet potato, broccoli and even kiwi are also … Continue reading Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry
Back to Basics: Vitamin C
What is vitamin C? Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally occurring in some foods. It is considered an essential vitamin because humans are not able to synthesize it within their bodies. Vitamin C is necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters and is involved … Continue reading Back to Basics: Vitamin C
Tracy's Nutrition Tips 