By Seabuck Staff , published Mar 29, 2019

The Buzz About MesoNutrients

Keeping up with health trends can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming.
It seems as if every year or better yet, every few months, there’s something different. From the keto diet to intermittent fasting, there is always something or someone telling us how we can improve our health

 

 

But, many of us love health and wellness trends because --well, there’s a good chance of it helping and improving our bodies. So, if you’re that person who follows the health trends or you’re that person who does everything you can to take care of your body, you may have been hearing some new buzz this year.

 

The buzz is stemming around the term mesonutrients. No, not micronutrients or macronutrients, both found to be good for our bodies. We’re talking about meso nutrients. If you have or have not heard the term, we’re here to tell you exactly what it is, let you in on the health benefits and how you can get your hands on them.

What are MesoNutrients

There are macronutrients, macro meaning according to Greek terminology, “big.” These nutrients are what they call the healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates that make up our diet.

These nutrients supply our body with energy. Next, there are micronutrients, micro meaning “small” according to Greek terminology. These nutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that produce enzymes, hormones and substances necessary for healthy development and growth.

 

And finally, there are mesonutrients. Meso means “inside or middle,” according to Greek terminology. Mesonutrients are active natural compounds and antioxidants within the superfoods we eat.

The nutrients are responsible for the health benefits inside the superfoods we ingest. They have been found to induce positive, physical reactions in the body.

Think of an oreo cookie. Oreo cookies have the chocolatey wafer with the cream filled middle. Although there may be some great debate on this. Most people enjoy the cream filling the most.

Yes, the chocolate is good but the cream filling is what makes the Oreo so delicious and irresistible. Although Oreo's aren't what you would call healthy, the point is, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

So, that's how the mesonutrients inside of our superfoods are. Yes, we know blueberries and tomatoes are good for us but it’s what’s on the inside that makes them so good for us.

Inside each of these superfoods are powerful natural active compounds that provide the most powerful health benefits. To state it simply, mesonutrients are the nutrients inside of superfoods that make them super!

Foods Rich with Mesonutrients

Curcumin

Turmeric is one of the most popular superfoods. It’s touted for managing metabolic syndromes and having anti-inflammatory benefits. But the health benefits come from the mesonutrients inside the turmeric which is curcumin. For centuries, curcumin has been coveted in various cultures like Ayurvedic,Siddha and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a healing spice.  

Lycopene

Lycopene is found in red and pink colored foods like tomatoes, watermelons and pink grapefruit. This mesonutrient is linked to bone strengthening and helping protect against environmental damage. Studies also say it may help fight prostate and lung cancers. Lycopene is found inside of pink grapefruit, papaya, tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato puree, cooked sweet red peppers and guava. Studies say Lycopene is one meso nutrient that is best received from the foods you eat versus pill supplements.

Saffronal

This mesonutrient is derived from the popular spice saffron. It is thought to be
beneficial at suppressing appetites, boosting the libido and serving to aid antidepressant strategies.

ECGC

ECGC is an acronym that stands for Epigallocatechin Gallate. This meso nutrient is one of a group of plant phenols. It is found inside of green tea. Studies claim that this mesonutrient may be powerful at fighting against cancer. Although you get the most potent dose from green tea. It is also found in white tea and oolong tea. There are small doses of this mesonutrient in strawberries, avocado, plums, kiwi and blackberries.

Anthocyanins

These mesonutrients are found in naturally purple and some red foods. These foods include blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, purple sweet potatoes, cherries, cranberries and pomegranates. Anthocyanins are linked to promoting cardiovascular health, fighting against dementia and supporting increased longevity.

Mesodosing

Some people may find it difficult to get all the glory superfoods and their mesonutrients has to offer without ingesting loads of these antioxidant-rich foods daily. And the demand for meso nutrients happens to be growing every day. So supplement companies have jumped on the bandwagon to give us what we want.

They have begun providing mesonutrients in pill form for a powerful and direct punch--insert mesodosing. Mesodosing is a term derived from mesonutrients, meaning getting a big dose of mesonutrients at once.

Because they are supplements filled with nutrients, some may say mesodosing is nothing more than an elaborate way of taking vitamins. These supplements help you reap the rewards of these powerful mesonutrients fast.  

Mesodosing Concerns

However, it’s important to be cautious. You can't just incorporate mesodosing to
increase your daily health regimen by making yourself a vitamin cocktail filled with mesonutrients. First, it’s recommended that you visit your health care provider to determine if these supplements are for you.

Why? Well, some supplements have the ability to interact with drug medications and antibiotics you may be prescribed. Even more so, as mentioned above, the lycopene mesonutrient is best taken in food form.

So in contrast to mesodosing, it's suggested to start by getting as many mesonutrients as you can from your diet by eating a balanced diet rich with plant-based foods. If you want to start mesodosing by taking supplements, see your physician first.