Cell to cell communication through a blend of specific plant saccharides called glyconutrients

Essential sugars, or ‘good sugars’ as they are also known, are the glyconutrients that we get from nutritious fruits and vegetables. They are also known as Biological Sugars, Saccharides, and Mono-saccharides. Glyconutrients are part of an even broader category known as Nutraceuticals. The words nutrition and pharmaceuticals are combined in this word because they are food-based substances that have a pharmacological effect on the body. There are eight essential sugars needed for proper cell functioning.  All of them are required for our cells to interact and function properly.

After being processed by our digestive system, these sugars are transformed into glycoproteins and glycolipids. Glycoproteins are molecules made of sugars and proteins found coating the surface of every cell in the human body that contains a nucleus. Glycolipids are molecules made of sugars and fats. Lipids is often a term used to refer to fat cells. Glycoproteins and glycolipids are essential for our cell structure. They facilitate the formation of tiny antennae on the cellular wall.

These antennae allow the cells to interact, and to be able to absorb and process nutrients, enzymes, hormones and other chemicals. This type of functioning is at the heart of our immune system, and allows for healing to occur in a wide variety of conditions from skin conditions to bacterial infections, as well as arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Extensive research is ongoing, and many studies have been published about the structure and content of glycoproteins and glycolipids found on the surface of cells.

Definition of Glyconutrients

The term “glyconutrient” can be dissected into words, glyco, which means sugar and nutrient, which refers to any substance that is beneficial to the body. Glyconutrient is actually an unofficial term coined by Mannatech, a company that specializes on products for dietary supplementation. The word was created to describe food-based substances that have “pharmacological” effect on the body. Glyconutrient is a special type of nutraceutical that advocates the use of food products and natural supplements in improving nutrition and optimizing health.

History of Glyconutrients

There is no clear history on glyconutrients research, but it is believed that glycobiology, the science of glyconutrition, commenced in 1980s when a pharmacologist expedited a clinical research about the powerful components of Aloe Vera. He discovered that the health benefits of Aloe Vera are attributed by the plant’s active ingredient called mannose, a simple carbohydrate. He found out that mannose is an unstable molecule and it loses its medicinal effect when its stability breaks up. As a result, he developed a method that will keep the mannose molecules active. This scientific discovery has led to clinical researches of the other 7 essential glyconutrients. To see the long-standing history of glyconutrients, watch this video.

The 8 Essential Glyconutrients

There are over 200 carbohydrates found in the body but only 8 of them are considered essential to immune functions. It should be mentioned that among these glyconutrients, only glucose and galactose are often found in the diet.

Xylose has antibacterial and anti-fungal property that prevents intestinal cancer. It strengthens immune system

Fucose important in brain development. It also inhibits allergic reaction Protects lungs from infection

Galactose promotes wound healing and enhances memory Hastens calcium absorption

Glucose fat energy source Stimulates calcium absorption and is good for the memory Fights off intestinal cancer

Mannose has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal property and reduces inflammation Lowers blood cholesterol Lowers blood sugar

N-acetylglucosamin decreases inflammation and Helps repair mucosal lining Increases range of motion

N-acetylgalactosamine reduces tumor spread and has antibacterial and anti-fungal property rights off intestinal cancer

N-acetylneuraminic acid plays a role in the learning process. It fights off bacteria and virus Most abundant in breast milk