Monthly Archives: April 2015

More on the Amylose To Amylopectin Ratio

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Amylose and amylopectin are polysaccharides found in varying ratios between different carbohydrate foods. Amylose is composed of straight chains of D-glucose molecules linked by α-(1-4) bond, whereas amylopectin has a branched structure that comprises of D-glucose linked by α-(1-4) and … Continue reading →

Posted in Amylopectin, Amylose, Carbohydrate, Digestion and Absorption, Glycaemia, Glycaemic Index, Glycaemic load | Comments Off on More on the Amylose To Amylopectin Ratio

Carbohydrate Cravings? Try L Glutamine

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington
Posted in L-glutamine | Comments Off on Carbohydrate Cravings? Try L Glutamine

Alfalfa: Nutrient Dense Herb

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae or legume family of plants. Alfalfa grows to around one metre in height and possesses leaves that look similar to trilobed clover leaves. Alfalfa produced purple flowers which mature … Continue reading →

Posted in Alfalfa, Antioxidant, Courmarins, Daidzein, Flavonoids, Genistein, Isoflavones, Pulses / Legumes, Saponins, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin K | Comments Off on Alfalfa: Nutrient Dense Herb

Metabolic ‘Ash’: Acid-Base Balance

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The acid-base balance of human plasma and other tissues is of vital importance. Acidosis and alkalosis are medically accepted terms, and can be found in any textbook of medical physiology. Acidosis refers to an excess of acid in the body … Continue reading →

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Vitamin E and Insulin Sensitivity

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Obesity is increasingly being seen a condition that is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. In turn, oxidative stress is implicated in the complications of type 2 diabetes. This association is highlighted in research that shows that plasma vitamin C … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Glutathione, Glycaemia, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Vitamin C, Vitamin E | Comments Off on Vitamin E and Insulin Sensitivity

Increased Meal Frequency Decreases Cholesterol Levels

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Increased meal frequency is associated with a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and plasma insulin concentrations. It is not clear why this might be so, but evidence suggests that reducing the size of the meals and increasing frequency causes … Continue reading →

Posted in Digestion and Absorption, Glycaemia, Insulin | Comments Off on Increased Meal Frequency Decreases Cholesterol Levels

The Disease Process Begins in Childhood: More Evidence

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that the development of adult Western diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease may have their roots in the health of the individual during childhood. This is unsurprising as many of these conditions take decades to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), Children | Comments Off on The Disease Process Begins in Childhood: More Evidence

Vitamin D Fortified Foods: Are They Ethical?

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Vitamin D insufficiency is increasingly being recognised as a common health concern amongst high latitude Western populations. Vitamin D is produced in the skin via the action of ultraviolet light on cholesterol, but the absence or avoidance of sun exposure … Continue reading →

Posted in 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Vitamin D Fortified Foods: Are They Ethical?

Wheat Bran Fibre and Intestinal Health

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Fibre is a pretty special nutrient. Although not officially classified as essential, much evidence suggests it to be conditionally essential for health. Although originally believed to provide little more than bulk to the chyme within the gut, within the last … Continue reading →

Posted in Digestion and Absorption, Fibre | Comments Off on Wheat Bran Fibre and Intestinal Health

Weight Loss By Controlling Insulin

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Glucagon, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Weight Loss, Western Diet | Comments Off on Weight Loss By Controlling Insulin