Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible. Unlike other carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose, fiber passes through the body mostly intact (The Nutrition Source, 2022) . But if we can’t break down fiber, then what does it do? Furthermore, if our own digestive system cannot metabolize fiber, then what does? Types of Fiber There are two different types of fiber, each with its own purpose in the body. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes a gel, slo

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is the sodium salt of one of the most commonly occurring amino acids, glutamic acid . This non-essential amino acid is naturally synthesized in the human body and in many high-protein foods, tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms, creating the umami flavor described as savory and meaty (Glutamate, 2022) .  Although glutamic acid is abundant and safe, its counterpart MSG, an isolated and concentrated form, has gained a controversial reputation after a seri

As soon as the clock strikes 2 p.m., time seems to slow, my movements appear more sluggish, energy levels plummet, and all I want to do is go to sleep. To many people, especially other high school students around me, the usual afternoon crash or post-lunch drowsiness may seem typical. But, what if I told you that recent research has demonstrated the lack of a single molecule called butyrate may be responsible for these dips in energy, and increasing its production can lead to