Monthly Archives: January 2022

Zinc and Copper Balance

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Zinc and copper are essential trace minerals that are required by humans to maintain health. Zinc and copper are antagonistic minerals in that the intake of one can seriously affect the metabolism of the other. High levels of zinc may … Continue reading →

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Tryptophan Metabolism in the Gut

Posted on January 13, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is metabolised in the brain to synthesise serotonin. Because tryptophan cannot be synthesised in humans, the diet is the only source of the amino acid. Dietary manipulation can alter mood because it changes … Continue reading →

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Enhancing Immunity with Berries

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, red raspberries, black raspberries, cranberries, grape, kiwi, banana, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber and watermelons are all berries. This is because they are indehiscent fruit that does not split open to release its seeds when ripe, has a few … Continue reading →

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Selenium and Human Immune Health

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is required for human health. Without adequate selenium in the diet disease is inevitable. Selenium is required because it forms part of a number of important cellular components called selenoproteins, where selenocysteine molecules … Continue reading →

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Tea, Coffee or Cocoa

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Tea, coffee and cocoa are popular drinks. Tea is the second most commonly drunk beverage in the world after water. As well as being pleasant to drink and possessing psychological benefits due to the comfort they provide, particularly on a … Continue reading →

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The Nutritional Content of Brassica Plants

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Robert Barrington

The brassica family of plants are a nutritionally important group of plants that include kale, Brussel sprouts, watercress, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. These plants have been evidence to confer beneficial health effects to humans. The plants contain a range of … Continue reading →

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Is Kale a Superfood?

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a member of the cruciferous vegetables. In this regard it falls into the same nutritional category as other Brassica family vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, watercress, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts. Brassica vegetables have been evidenced to provide … Continue reading →

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The Phytochemistry of Coriandrum sativum (Coriander)

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a culinary spice and herbal medicine. The culinary uses of coriander and its medicinal effects relate to the specific phytochemistry of the plant and its seeds. In cuisine, the whole plant and its seeds are used … Continue reading →

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Ocimum bascilicum (Basil): Variations in Phytochemistry

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Ocimum bascilium (basil) is a commonly consumed culinary herb, with broad leaves and a distinctive taste and aroma. The taste and aroma of basil comes partly from the essential oil that it contains. This oil is rich in phytochemicals particularly … Continue reading →

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Terminalia aruna as an Anxiolytic

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Terminalia arjun, commonly called arjuna, is a plant that belongs to the Combretaceae (mangrove) family. Extracts of the plant are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic and anthelmintic effects. Evidence also suggests that Terminalia arjun may have significant mood elevating effects. … Continue reading →

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