Melanin is a natural substance in the body that gives the iris of the eye, hair and skin its color. Skin cells called melanocytes produce melanin in the body. Melanin also acts as a kind of natural sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays, however it cannot prevent sunburn all on its own.
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Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells in the brain. Low serotonin levels in the body are linked to instances of depression as well as insomnia.
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Protein is an essential part of the diet because it is needed for every type of growth and repair of tissues that takes place in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, normal adults need between 46 and 56 g of protein every day.
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The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones involved in regulating hunger and thirst, among other sensations. The hypothalamus is considered a part of the nervous system. Supplying the hypothalamus with nutrients that are supportive of cognitive function may help to increase its functionality.
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Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is also one of the hardest minerals to absorb from dietary sources. Dr. Elson Haas, author of "Staying Healthy with Nutrition," estimates that 30 to 80 percent of dietary calcium isn't absorbed by the body.
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Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B-9, is a water-soluble substance responsible for helping the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, for use as energy. Folate can be produced by intestinal bacteria, so if colon health is ideal, the body itself is a source of folic acid.
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Omega 3-6-9 are polyunsaturated fatty acids, or healthy fats, that are important for human health. Of these fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6 are referred to as essential fatty acids because they cannot be produced within the body and must be obtained through the diet.
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Following a 700-calorie-per-day meal plan is difficult because the body requires more calories to function on a daily basis. Remaining on a diet that is restricted to 700 calories would require meticulous calorie counting and immense willpower.
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Turmeric is a spice best known for its distinct flavoring in Indian cuisine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this spice has been treating a variety of ailments for almost 4,000 years. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples.
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Polyunsaturated fats in the diet, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, are essential to human health because they cannot be produced in the body and must be consumed in the diet. While these fats are essential to health, over-consumption may have adverse effects that pose health risks in some individuals.
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Apple cider is made from the juice that is extracted from the pulp of pureed apples. While it has its own health benefits, apple cider can also be made into apple cider vinegar, which is used as a cure for some health conditions. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apple cider.
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Vitamin supplements are a popular with people who feel that their diets may be lacking in some needed nutrients. Supplements are a simple way to ensure that the body is receiving all of the support it needs to function optimally, from the digestive system to tissue repair and the immune system.
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Vitamin supplements are a common way for people to ensure that their bodies are getting sufficient amounts of all the nutrients that are needed daily for optimal function. Multivitamins are those which contain many kinds of vitamins and minerals.
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Antibiotics are medications that destroy bacteria. Intended to treat bacterial infections, antibiotics are so effective in killing bacteria that they often wipe out healthy bacteria in the colon along with the harmful bacteria.
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Combining Zoloft with 5-HTP is not normally recommended without physician approval and supervision. The body makes 5-HTP, a chemical, from an amino acid called tryptophan, and 5-HTP is then converted into serotonin in the body.
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