What are whole grains? Grains are the seeds (aka kernels) of certain plants and is made up of the bran, endosperm, and germ. All 3 parts of a grain contain nutrients that play important roles in your diet. Grains can be either whole or refined. Whole grains contain all 3 parts of the kernel. What … Continue reading Back to Basics: Whole Grains
Back to Basics: Vitamin K
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: Carbohydrates
What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are important macronutrients for your health. They provide the main source of energy (calories) for the body, especially your brain and muscles during exercise. Your muscles and liver store carbohydrates in the form of glycogen. During exercise, glycogen is broken down to sugar (glucose) and used for energy by your muscles. … Continue reading Back to Basics: Carbohydrates
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