Inositol is a natural nutrient that plays a vital role in preventing fat accumulation in the liver and promoting healthy hair growth. It aids in nutrient processing, brain nourishment, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Inositol is found in grains, red beans, oranges, and melons, and is included in some energy drinks. However, a balanced diet is the best way to obtain it, as energy drinks contain only small amounts. Studies are ongoing to determine if inositol can help with depression and cancer.
Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that is usually classified as a carbocyclic polyol. The most common form is sometimes referred to as myo-inositol. In the human body, it plays an important role in preventing fat collection in the liver, as well as promoting healthy hair growth. The presence of the nutrient also aids in the efficient processing of nutrients into energy conversion which in turn helps the body maintain a healthy metabolism. It can also be considered brain food, as the nutrient is required to properly nourish the brain.
The sweet nature of inositol comes in part from the properties that make up the nutrient, specifically the cyclohexanesol component. While still a form of sugar, it works differently than glucose. It is needed to keep the body running smoothly and can cause a variety of side effects when levels are low. A deficiency can lead to constipation, high cholesterol, vision problems and general eye health, and hair loss.
While there is little doubt that inositol is beneficial for the normal operations of the human body, studies continue to be conducted to determine if there is definitive proof that adding more to the diet will reverse any serious health problems. Some studies indicate that it can affect diseases such as depression and cancer. Some researchers believe it may work in conjunction with other nutrients to help the body recover from illness.
A number of foods contain at least trace amounts of inositol. Grains with a high bran content are relatively good sources, as are red beans, especially pinto beans. Of the fruits, oranges and melons tend to have the largest amounts, although most fruits have at least a small amount. Many of the currently popular energy drinks, sometimes referred to as boost drinks, include this nutrient in their ingredients.
It should be noted, however, that there doesn’t seem to be any energy drink on the market that contains more than a small amount of the nutrient. In fact, one estimate is that it would take more than 300 standard-sized energy drinks consumed in a 24-hour period to reap any kind of benefit. The nutrient is most easily obtained by eating a reasonable and balanced diet every day, and not with any kind of quick fix.
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