I was given a small book recently by my Naturopathic friend called
"Miracle Sugars" The New Class of Missing Nutrients. Published in 2002.
Virtually undetected until recently, these 'miracle sugars' offer a new universe of health potential. Scores of studies have linked a deficiency of these extraordinary sugars to everything from Lupus, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and ADHD.
Dr. Emil I Mondoa, M.D. > Sugars that Heal
Saccarides are essential in virtually all intelligent interactions between cells of the body; they're a critical part of the cell intelligence and activity. Glyconutrients affect how our cells form the structure of the body and the daily repair of our tissues. They play an important role in helping our body distinguish what belongs in it from what does not belong, and so they are vital to how our cells react to bacteria and viruses. Virtually every change within our multi cellular bodies, from conception until death, is to some degree mediated by this language of sugars.
The marriage of these very specific sugar molecules with proteins and fats impacts virtually every cell's structure and function and may well be the greatest determinant of good health and longevity. It turns out these sugars provide complex and sophisticated actions, giving cells the ability to transfer coded messages that sustain life and maintain health.
These are the names of the eight essential sugars
Glucose - the sugars we get too much of in the form of sugar cane, corn,potatoes,wheat,etc
Galactose - obtained from the conversion of lactose (milk sugar) and easily obtained in dairy products unless you are Lactose intolerant
Fucose - not readily available in our diet HOWEVER is readily found in human breast milk, and in several medicinal mushrooms. Has huge benefits for the immune system
Mannose - not readily available. Plays a profound role in cellular interactions, has been known to lower blood sugar levels, has a natural anti inflammatory effect,
Xylose - not readily available. Has known antibacterial and fungal properties, and may help prevent certain cancers.
N-acetyl-neuramic acid - not readily available. Found in breast milk and dramatically impacts brain function and growth. Also boosts immune function and has documented anti viral actions.
N-acetyl-glucosamine - not readily available. A well known natural medicine for arthritic conditions.
N-acetyl-galactosamine - not readily available. The least known of the essential sugars, it appears to inhibit the growth of some tumors. Like the other sugars it plays an individual role in keeping cell communication optimised.
Interesting that Mother Nature has made provisions to ensure we get these sugars nutrients early in life with breast milk containing five of these eight.
Many plants from around the world that have a high glyconutrient content are also known as healing plants - some examples:
- Aloe Vera
- Garlic
- Coconut meat
- Echinacea
- pectins from fruits
- certain herbs
- some algae
- certain mushrooms
- AND PXP Royale (a modern version!)
"Knowledge of these sugars' functions could affect medicine far beyond improving drug doses and fighting cancer. Researchers are looking into how sugars influence the development of Parkinsons, Alzheimers and infectious diseases like AIDS and herpes, to name a few. Sugars also seem poised to influence stem cell biology, organ transplantation and tissue engineering. If these promising areas of research prove successful, 'sugar pills' will take on a whole new meaning."
Erika Jonietz - "Glynomics" in Technology Review 10/2001