| Glyconutrients, the Holy Grail of medical science, was | | | | and enhance the process of recovery among patients |
| recently discovered. It was found to play very | | | | who had received radiation treatments. |
| important roles in keeping communication between | | | | Gums and saps |
| cells highly functional. With diminished cellular | | | | The gums and saps produced by the African acacia |
| communication, bodily functions ranging from mundane | | | | (gum acacia) and the Indian sumac (Gum ghatti) have |
| to highly complex are largely affected, the body's | | | | been, for several years, known to have properties |
| capacity to ward off diseases, to function at its optimal | | | | suitable for promoting health. Only lately was it |
| levels, and to keep cells, tissues and organs healthy | | | | discovered that these contain essential glyconutrients. |
| prove to be very difficult. Each cell in the body requires | | | | Gum acacia has galactose (one of the eight essential |
| sufficient supply of these nutrients, all of them, in order | | | | plan carbohydrates) and other sugars like rhamnose, |
| to sustain their functions. Emphasis is therefore placed | | | | glucuronic acid and arabinose. These, in particular, are |
| on obtaining these glyconutrients through natural | | | | known to help improve gastrointestinal mucosa, |
| sources or through health supplements. | | | | intestinal flora, and are important in controlling the |
| Health supplements are beginning to show up in | | | | production of triglyceride (the chemical form of fats), |
| American markets at a fast rate. These provide | | | | fermentation of colon bifidus, and increase of serum |
| convenient and highly concentrated sources of | | | | cholesterol. |
| glyconutrients. These are very effective and, in | | | | Seaweed |
| general, safe as well. But, the less popular alternatives | | | | Fucose, a plant carbohydrate that influences brain |
| offered by natural resources are equally attractive. In | | | | development, inhibit the development and spread of |
| their natural forms, glyconutrients are most potent and | | | | tumor, and enhances cell-cell communication, is found in |
| do not raise questions on quality. Natural sources of | | | | high quantities in a brown seaweed called Undaria |
| these nutrients include: | | | | pinnatifida. |
| Fungi and mushrooms | | | | Breastmilk |
| Mushrooms and fungi provide rich sources of | | | | The human breast milk is not only rich with antibodies |
| galactose, glucose and mannose, three of the eight | | | | and nutrients that sustain infants while providing them |
| essential glyconutrients that are known to enhance cell | | | | with protection, but is also a good source of some of |
| to cell communication along with other benefits. On | | | | the 8 essential plant carbohydrates, including fucose |
| their own, these simple sugars can inhibit tumor growth, | | | | and galactose. |
| accelerate healing, lessen inflammation, enhance | | | | Aloe vera |
| calcium absorption, provide good energy sources, and | | | | The leaves of the aloe vera are very rich in galactose, |
| improve the body's capacity to fend off viral, bacterial | | | | mannoseand arabinose. With the combination of their |
| and fungal infections. | | | | individual properties, aloe vera offers a host of |
| Mushrooms, in particular, have lentinan, a type of | | | | anti-infection properties that include anti-fungal, |
| polysaccharide that helps boost the immune system | | | | anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy. |
| by stimulating white blood cells or leukocytes to devour | | | | This works perfectly well when used externally or |
| invading microorganisms. Lentinan also detoxifies the | | | | internally. |
| toxins that result from this process. These benefits | | | | With the current rise of the prevalence of diseases, |
| extend to preventing the spread of tumor cells to | | | | disorders, and lately, autoimmune conditions, it is only |
| other areas of the body, prevent the body from | | | | important to have ample supply of glyconutrients in our |
| contracting infections, fight off infections among | | | | daily diets, whether they come from nutritional |
| patients of traumatic injuries, improve wound healing, | | | | supplements or natural sources. |