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Showing posts from June, 2024

Gluconeogenesis

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Gluconeogenesis is the process by which noncarbohydrate molecules are converted to glucose. Lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, propionate, glucogenic amino acids, and pyruvate are the main precursors and substrates for gluconeogenesis. Location of gluconeogenesis While certain precursors are made in the mitochondria, the cytosol is where glucose synthesis primarily takes place. Gluconeogenesis occurs mostly in the liver (where 1 kg of glucose is synthesised daily) and to a lesser amount in the renal matrix (where it accounts for roughly 10% of the liver's capacity). Importance of gluconeogenesis  A vital role in metabolism, glucose's constant supply is necessary for the body to perform a multitude of tasks. 1. The kidney medulla, erythrocytes, brain, and central nervous system rely on glucose as a constant source of energy. Out of the approximately 160 g of glucose required by the body as a whole, the human brain alone needs about 120 g per day. 2. The only source of energy available...

Citric Acid Cycle

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The most significant metabolic route for the body's energy source is the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or the tricarboxylic acid—TCA cycle. Approximately 65–70% of ATP is produced during the Krebs cycle. Acetyl CoA is effectively oxidised to produce CO2 and H2O as part of the citric acid cycle. Approximately two thirds of the oxygen the body takes in is used in this cycle. The cycle is referred to as the TCA cycle because tricarboxylic acids (citrate, cisaconitate, and isocitrate) are involved in the beginning of the cycle. TCA cycle—the central metabolic pathway The last common oxidative pathway for amino acids, lipids, and carbs is the citric acid  cycle. This cycle produces many of the intermediates needed for the synthesis of     amino acids, glucose, heme, and other compounds in addition to energy. The most   significant core pathway that either directly or indirectly connects practically all of the  distinct metabolic pathways ...

Glycolysis

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  The words glycolysis and lysis, which mean "dissolution" and "sweet" or "sugar," are Greek in origin. It is a common channel found in all living cells. The Embden-Meyerhof pathway, or E.M. pathway, is the name given to this pathway in honour of the two biochemists who made significant contributions to our understanding of glycolysis. The series of events that convert glucose (or glycogen) to pyruvate or lactate while producing ATP (energy) is known as glycolysis. Some important fates of glucose Glycolysis is a two-stage process Important Points: 1. Every cell in the body engages in glycolysis. The cell contains the enzymes involved in this pathway. 2. Anaerobic (without oxygen) or aerobic (with oxygen) glycolysis can take place. The last result under anaerobic conditions is lactate. Pyruvate is produced in the aerobic state and then oxidised to produce CO2 and H2O. 3. In tissues without mitochondria, such as erythrocytes, corneas, lenses, etc., g...

Carbohydrate Metabolism

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The primary energy source for living cells is glucose. Since glucose is linked to all of the main pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, it is the key molecule in this process. Energy is obtained from glucose, which is produced from non-carbohydrate precursors and stored as glycogen to be released as needed. The liver is essential for controlling and regulating blood sugar levels. Liver can therefore be adequately regarded as a glucostat monitor. Major pathways of carbohydrate metabolism. The important pathways of carbohydrate metabolism are listed                                                                       Overview of glucose metabolism.                             ...

Nutrition Label

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  1. Serving Information (#1 on sample label) Prior to reading the Nutrition Facts label, remember the serving size and the number of servings per container in the packaging. To make it easier the comparison of identical items, serving sizes have been standardized and given in units that are easily understood, like cups or pieces, followed by the metric amount, like gram (g). The amount that individuals usually eat or drink is reflected in the serving size. It doesn't suggest how much food or liquids you should consume. It's critical to understand that all of the nutritional quantities, including the calorie count, are expressed in relation to the size of the serving. Be mindful of the portion size, particularly the quantity of servings included in the meal. For example, you might ask yourself if you are consuming ½ serving, 1 serving, or more . In the sample label, one serving of lasagna equals 1 cup. If you ate two cups, you would be consuming two servings. That is two time...

Psychology of Food

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  A person's awareness of the need for change and their motivation to do it are crucial components in altering their nutrition-related behavior. While they both offer information and inspiration, nutrition education and counselling are not the same.  Nutrition education can be given one-on-one or in a group environment; knowledge is transferred and it is typically more preventive than therapeutic. One-on-one counselling is most frequently employed in medical nutrition therapy. In the one-on-one situation, the nutritionist creates a temporary support structure to help the client identify favorable conditions for change and better prepare them to face social and personal obligations.  The purpose of nutrition therapy and education is to assist people in making significant dietary behavioral changes. Eating is an activity that is essentially rewarding, and is thus intrinsically linked to mood and emotions. When humans are energy deficient, a complex interplay of physiologica...

Finger millet (Ragi)

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Commonly seen in South Indian kitchens is finger millet. It has ten times the calcium content of wheat or rice. Due to its high calcium and iron content, it is a crucial component of baby food. Because finger millet has a high protein content, it plays a significant role in reducing malnutrition. It is an annual plant that is widely cultivated as a cereal in India's arid regions, particularly in the south. It has significant calcium content, proteins with important amino acids that are well-balanced, vitamin A, vitamin B, and phosphorus. Its high fibre content guards against colon cancer, high blood pressure, and constipation. Finger millet is a good source of nutrients, including calcium, along with other minerals and fibre. It has been observed that finger millet contains between 72 and 79.5% of total carbohydrates. Among the carbs, starch makes up between 59.4% and 70.2% of the total. Finger millet contains 44.7% essential amino acids of the total amino acids, which is more than...

Pearl Millet (Bajra)

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  In many developing countries' dry and warm climates, pearl millet has long been a significant grain, fodder, and stover crop. Pearl millet grows well in regions with high temperatures, low soil fertility, and drought. It can be produced in regions where other cereal crops, such maize or wheat, would not thrive because of its resistance to harsh growing circumstances. This millet has cholesterol-lowering phytochemicals. Folate, magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamins E and B complex are also present. In comparison to other millets, it contains a high energy level. It also contains a lot of health-promoting unsaturated fats and calcium. Pearl millet offers a multitude of health advantages because of its rich mineral and protein makeup. The grain with the most protein is pearl millet. It has a lot of important minerals in it, such zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium. Vitamins and vital amino acids are also present, which add to its medicinal qualities.   The most common variety of mi...

Sorghum (Jowar)

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  Sorghum is a warm season crop, intolerant of low temperatures but fairly resistant to serious pests and diseases. Sorghum is traditional staple food of the dry land regions of the world, a warm season crop intolerant to low temperatures, resistant to pests and diseases highly nutritious and a climate-compliant crop.  It ranks fifth in cereals produced world-wide and fourth in India. Generally, sorghum grains act as a principal source of protein, vitamins, energy and minerals for millions of people especially in the semi-arid regions playing a crucial role in the world's food economy. It has a nutritional profile better than rice which is the staple food of majority of the human population for its rich protein, fibre, Sorghum is rich in potassium, phosphorus and calcium with sufficient amounts of iron, zinc and sodium . Due to this, it is being targeted to reduce malnutrition globally. It helps to control heart problems, obesity and arthritis. Nutrient composition: P...