Just like South Africans depend on Eskom, our bodies also depend on a consistent power supply to function properly.   In Eskom’s case, power is generated by huge power stations, but in the case of our bodies by microscopically small power stations in the cells. Virtually all the cells in the human body have hundreds to thousands of small components, called mitochondria (mitochondrion singular) that supply energy for virtually all processes taking place in the body, basically keeping us alive. How mitochondria work: The blood flow in the body sustains life, as the heart moves blood that contains oxygen and the macronutrients glucose, fat, and protein.  When blood reaches the cells in the body, mitochondria inside the cells process oxygen and

An enlarged prostate, known in medical circles as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a health issue for many men over the age of 50.  A prostate increasing in size becomes more common with age.  By age 60 about 50% of men will have some signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia and by age 85 about 90% will have signs of the condition.  About half of the men with benign prostatic hyperplasia will develop symptoms that require treatment. What is the prostate’s function? The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men.  It surrounds the top part of the urethra, the tube which runs through the center of the prostate.  The urethra drains

The brain is a complex and intricate organ that functions as the control center for our bodies and regulates our thoughts, emotions, and actions.  Considering the power of the mind, the psychology of the mind has a direct influence on our physiological health, amongst other things.  Studies have shown that your mindset can affect your health. What is meant by mindset? One’s mindset is a set of beliefs and self-perceptions that influence how you make sense of the world and yourself.   It influences the way you think, feel, and behave in any given situation.  Mindset also refers to a characteristic mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to situations and is highly relevant to the way you respond

From the humble beginnings as very basic aquatic algae, which serve as the main dietary source of certain marine species such as salmon, lobster, shrimps, and crab, an orange-red colored substance called astaxanthin in the algae accumulates in these species and gets carried up the food chain and onto your plate of food.    Which is fortunate for lovers of sea food, as promising research results indicate that astaxanthin could be a valuable nutrient and bioactive compound in the prevention of several diseases and in maintaining good health.    What is astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is a natural orange-red pigment that is known for its unique chemical structure, which gives it its powerful antioxidant capabilities.  Certain species of microalgae make high amounts

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of our time and the second leading cause of death worldwide behind cardiovascular diseases.  Cancer refers to any malignant growth or tumor in the body, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in that specific spot.  Cells are constantly renewing themselves, but when they get damaged in some way, the normal regular division of cells – with new cells forming and old ones dying off – goes haywire and cells in the affected area continue to divide and grow uncontrollably. Cancer cells are living, reproducing cells that are capable of movement when not bound or restricted by other cells or structures.  The capability to move is put to use when these cells

Blood pressure is a vital sign, as too high or too low blood pressure is an indication that something is wrong with your health, which could lead to serious conditions such as stroke and heart disease.  Accurate and regular blood pressure readings are a quick and easy way to catch any heart issues early.  How and when to take blood pressure readings are important, as the way you prepare for the test and even the position of your arm can change the reading by 10% or more.  Of concern is the phenomenon that some people’s blood pressure rises dangerously high at night, but reflect normally during the day when readings are usually taken, which may lead to unexpected cardiovascular events