Health Vitamins and Minerals Guide

Biological Value (%) is calculated as retained nitrogen/ absorbed nitrogen X 100. To illustrate how this provides an evaluation of protein quality, consider a scenario in which all amino acids in a protein are used for protein synthesis. Here, retained and absorbed nitrogen would be equal and the biological value would equal 100%.

Conversely, if some indispensable amino acids are not available in the protein source, protein synthesis is impaired and some unused nitrogen is excreted from the body, retained nitrogen decreases relative to absorbed and the biological value drops below 100%. Consequently, some foods such as complete protein foods (e.g., milk) have high biological values (95%), while incomplete protein foods are much lower (Le., corn [60%1). (more…)

Aloe vera is a plant usually grown in the arid world, particularly in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and America. Even though the plant appears that it is a member of the cactus family, it is actually a lily. Although there are more than 240 varieties, but only a few of them are recognized for any health benefit. Aloe Vera has been used in medicine and health care dating from the 4th century BC. He was known by the Egyptians as the “factory of Immortality”. Aloe Vera is very high in nutrients and vitamins - a small amount contains high concentrations of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Studies say that the daily consumption of aloe vera can increase longevity, leading to stimulate immune function, collagen and support fungus. In the United States, freezing of the leaf is a popular ingredient in cosmetics. (more…)