Mercury Is Not a Single Substance, but a Group of Chemically Distinct Compounds. Each form of mercury affects the human body differently. Its form determines how it enters the body, how quickly it is eliminated, how easily it accumulates, and which systems it damages—ranging from the respiratory tract to the kidneys and brain.

Mercury is a unique substance: it is the only metal that exists in a liquid state at room temperature. Thanks to its unusual properties, it has fascinated people since ancient times. It was used in medicine as a remedy, in alchemy as an “element of transformation,” and later in industry—for making mirrors, thermometers, lamps, and other products.

I didn’t come to the idea of growing my own microgreens right away. It started when I read that growing lettuce on a commercial scale in Canada is simply not profitable — the climate, heating, and lighting all make it too expensive. So even the greens we see on the shelf are shipped in from the south — mostly from California.

A balanced diet does not require significant expenses or a lot of time for preparation. Even a basic day of eating can be built from simple, accessible foods — without complex schemes or special diets. Below is an example of such a day, where each meal covers the body’s basic needs and provides a stable level of energy without sudden sugar spikes.

This article outlines the basic principles of balanced nutrition for an adult without dietary restrictions or serious health issues. Let’s assume your body digests all the main food categories well: meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, legumes, grains, vegetables, fruits, and greens. Based on this broad and diverse foundation, it is possible to build a diet in which each food group is represented — at least in small quantities. This is what is called a balanced diet.

Actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria that occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and fungi. They form branched filamentous structures resembling mold mycelium and are capable of producing spores. While many species of actinomycetes are found in nature and play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, some strains can be pathogenic and pose a health risk when they begin to proliferate in the indoor environment.

Bifidobacteria are one of the key representatives of the normal gut microbiota, playing an important role in maintaining overall health. They colonize the intestines from the first days of life and participate in numerous processes that support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and synthesize essential vitamins.

However, with age and under the influence of various factors, their numbers decrease, leading to microbial imbalance and increasing the risk of various diseases. Understanding the distribution of bifidobacteria in the gut, their functions, and the factors that affect their levels helps maintain microbiome balance and prevent potential health problems.

Microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that inhabit not only the gut, but also the skin, respiratory tract, mucous membranes, urogenital system, and even the surrounding environment. The human body contains more microbial cells than human cells: for every human cell, there are about 1.3 microbial cells. The total mass of the microbiome is 1.5–2 kg, and its genes outnumber human genes by a factor of 150.

Food colorings are additives used to give, enhance, or restore the color of food and beverages. They can be either synthetic (artificial) or natural, derived from plants, minerals, or animals.

Manufacturers use colorings to make products more appealing, as bright colors are associated with freshness and quality. They also help compensate for the loss of natural color that occurs during processing, freezing, and storage. Additionally, certain shades create a recognizable image for the product — for example, oranges are dyed to match consumer expectations.

Sugar substitutes are substances used instead of sugar to provide a sweet taste in food and beverages. Their popularity stems from the desire to reduce calorie intake. Artificial and natural sweeteners allow people to enjoy sweetness without extra calories, which is especially appealing to those managing their weight, following a diet, or monitoring their body’s energy balance.

In addition, sugar substitutes help regulate blood glucose levels. People with diabetes often use them to avoid sharp spikes in blood sugar caused by regular sucrose. Some sweeteners have minimal impact on insulin response, making them a convenient alternative for controlling metabolic processes.