NUTRITION

Nuts have been a staple in our diet since ancient times. They are a great source of fibre, protein and, of course, healthy fats. Such nutrient-dense food then must have health benefits, but can they also provide protection against diseases, tumours and cancers?

Vitamin B5 is one of the essential nutrients and has a very important function in forming red blood cells, converting food into energy and creating stress and sex hormones. However, it doesn’t get the attention it should considering its significance. This means that if we don’t know much about vitamin B5, how will we know if we are experiencing signs and symptoms of deficiency?

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has an important role in the production of glutathione. It can be taken as a supplement (NAC) or it can be obtained from foods (amino acid L-cysteine). The importance of glutathione as an antioxidant is due to the effects it has on metabolic pathways for mental and physical health, such as anti-cancer, cardiac, immunity, renal, and oxidative stress properties.

Fats are an essential part of the diet, and were one of the main energy sources in our early ancestors when carbohydrates from tubers and fruits were only seasonally available. However, with food processing and modern technology, we started consuming large amounts of saturated and trans fats which seem to be harmful to our health. To make informed decisions on our food, we need to understand the health risks of consuming ‘bad’ fats.

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins, belonging to the vitamin B complex. It can be obtained from many food sources and fortified food products, and can be taken as a dietary supplement. However, important to note is that only 30% of niacin is absorbed, and with niacin’s role in cellular metabolism, having poor nutrition can cause potential health issues.