Author Archives: Robert Barrington

About Robert Barrington

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

Fenugreek Seeds and Testosterone

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have a number of health effects including cardioprotective, lipid lowering and general antioxidant effects. One of the phytochemicals in fenugreek seeds that may cause some of the health effects is a phytochemical called protodioscin which belongs … Continue reading →

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Carnitine as an Anti-Aging Supplement

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that male androgen levels drop somewhere around 1.2 % per year for free testosterone between the ages of 39 to 70. Further, albumin bound testosterone drops 1 % per year and total testosterone drops 0.4 % per year. … Continue reading →

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Brain Food: The Basics

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Robert Barrington

There are many supplements touted as being beneficial for the brain. However, while many of these many have good research supporting their use, many forget the basics when it comes to feeding the brain. The primary fuel used by the … Continue reading →

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The Thermic Effect of Food

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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?

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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?

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Robert Barrington

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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