Author Archives: Robert Barrington

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.

The Thermic Effect of Food

The thermic effects of food refers to the heat produced when food is oxidised. This heat effect can be significant and is a contributor to the overall metabolic rate. When food is eaten it is digested and the component parts … Continue reading

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When Does Protein Intake Become Too Much?

Consuming too little protein is relatively common in large parts of the world as protein foods, particularly of animal origin, are expensive. In the West it is claimed that people eat too much protein, but really this is a philosophical … Continue reading

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The Differing Effects of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are polyphenolic chemicals synthesised by plants as secondary metabolites. In plants they play important roles in the protection of tissues from environmental damage including pathogens and ultraviolet light. When humans eat plants they absorb the flavonoids and here they … Continue reading

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Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is an interesting drink nutritionally because it has a number of effects not shared by other teas. Firstly, peppermint does not contain caffeine, and so peppermint tea is a good alternative to black and green tea for those … Continue reading

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L-Tyrosine Supplements

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is used by the cells to synthesise adrenaline and noradrenaline using the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme pathway. This pathway maintains adequate stores of adrenaline and noradrenaline, particularly in nervous tissue. Stress depletes the body of … Continue reading

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Folic Acid and Homocysteine

Homocystien is a product of methionine metabolism. Homocysteine has been shown to have detrimental effects on cells and tissues if levels rise. Under normal circumstances homocysteine is converted to other substances that are benign in their effects and so homocysteine … Continue reading

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Breakfast Cereals: Healthy Or Junk?

Breakfast cereals are commonly consumed in the typical western diet with milk. This is a common practice in many western countries and it is seen as unusual if these are not consumed. Breakfast cereals are often thought of as healthy … Continue reading

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An Honest Appraisal Of Your Own Nutritional Stores

You are what you eat and it is almost certain that if a particular food is in your cupboard, you will eventually eat it. Therefore one of the tenets of nutrition is that you should only buy food that is … Continue reading

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Some Clinical Roles for Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is required for the correct production of energy in mitochondria. In this role, it is vital to the production of energy in all eukaryotic cells. Supplemental coenzyme Q10 may have antioxidant and energy production roles, and this may … Continue reading

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Coenzyme Q10 as an Anti-Aging Supplement

Coenzyme Q10 is an important and essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and is therefore pivotal to energy production in all cells. In addition, coenzyme Q10 also functions as an antioxidant in plasma membranes, and so is pivotal … Continue reading

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