Glyconutrients
Glyconutrients are plant carbohydrates or plant sugars, sometimes called saccharides. There are over 200 carbohydrates but only eight are essential to bodily function. These are; xylose, fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylneuraminic acid.
These 8 essential glyconutrients combine with other molecules eg proteins and lipids, to form glycoforms or glycoconjugates which coat cell surfaces. When they combine with protein molecules, they form glycoproteins. In a healthy person these glycoproteins will coat the surface of every cell in the human body that has a nucleus. Similarly, when glyconturients bind with lipids or fats, they form glycolipids which also adhere to the cell surface.
The discovery of the 8 essential glyconutrients occurred in the 1990s. The essential role that glyconutrients play in offering health support at the cellular level is vitally important to your overall wellness, because:
- Proper cell-to-cell communication equals function
- Proper function equals wellness.
They are the key to effective cellular communication and proper cell function. 
Scientists have found that eating raw, fresh, organic, unprocessed plant foods that contain glyconutrients benefits normal cell function and is directly related to many aspects of health.
Research also has shown that most people consume insufficient levels of the glyconutrients and their bodies have become progressively vitamin and mineral deficient as well. Glyconutrients are essential in our diet, either directly or as supplements, for our bodies to heal, repair, regulate and regenerate.
It is very difficult to get enough of the essential glyconutrients in our food nowadays. This is partly because of changing food production systems and partly because of the stresses from toxins, stress, etc placed on our bodies we need more glyconutrients than in the past. We therefore need to supplement with glyconutrients.