A

absorption

Uptake of nutrients into the blood stream through the wall of the intestine.

ALA

Alpha linolenic acid. The only omega-3 fatty acid found in vegetable products; it is most abundant in canola oil. (See also DHA, EPA and omega-3.)

alpha-hydroxy acid

Any of various fruit acids that are capable of trapping moisture in the skin and initiating the formation of collagen.

amino acid

A carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen compound, found in living cells, that forms protein.

antioxidant

An organic substance that can counteract the damaging effects of oxidation in human and animal tissues by neutralizing free radicals.

arteriosclerosis

Degenerative changes in the arteries, characterized by thickening of the vessel walls and accumulation of calcium with consequent loss of elasticity and lessened blood flow.

atherosclerosis

A common form of arteriosclerosis with fatty substances (such as LDL) forming a deposit of plaque on the inner lining of arterial walls. (See also LDL and cholesterol.)

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate. An organic compound that supplies large amounts of energy to cells for various biochemical processes, including muscle contraction and sugar metabolism. It is produced in the body through the process of cell respiration and in plants through photosynthesis.

B

bioflavonoids

Nutraceuticals with antioxidant qualities, found in the pigment that colors the skin and flesh of fruits and vegetables. (See also phytochemicals.)

bile

A bitter, alkaline, yellow or greenish liquid, secreted by the liver, that aids in absorption and digestion, esp. of fats.

bile acid

Any of various steroid acids, produced in the liver and stored with bile, that emulsify fats during digestion.

C

carbohydrate

A carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compound (incl. sugars, starches, celluloses and gums) that serves as a major energy source in the diet of humans and animals.

cholesterol

A soft, waxy substance present in all parts of the body, responsible for body functions, such as the production of hormones, bile acid, and Vitamin D. It is made by the liver, but can also be obtained from animal products in the diet. Higher than normal amounts of cholesterol in the blood are associated with higher risk for developing coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

(See also HDL and LDL.)

coenzyme q10 (co q10)

A naturally-occurring compound, found in every cell in the body, that plays a key role in producing energy.

collagen

Any of various tough, fibrous proteins found in bone, cartilage, skin, and other connective tissue. Collagens have great tensile strength, and provide these body structures with the ability to withstand forces that stretch them. When boiled in water, collagen yields gelatin.

coronary artery disease

A stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits inside the arterial walls, thus narrowing the arteries.

cortisol

A vital hormone produced in the adrenal gland. Often referred to as the stress hormone.

In its normal function, cortisol helps convert proteins into energy and counteract inflammation.

Sustained high cortisol levels destroy healthy muscle and bone; slow down healing and normal cell regeneration; impair digestion, metabolism, mental function and the production of other vital hormones; and weaken your immune system.

cosmeceutical

A cosmetic product that has drug-like benefits, e.g., some anti-aging creams and moisturizers. The word is formed from the words cosmetic and pharmaceutical.

D

detoxification

The metabolic process by which toxins in the body are changed into less toxic or more readily excretable substances.

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oils. (See also ALA, EPA and omega-3.)

diabetes

Also called diabetes mellitus. A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, usually occurring in genetically predisposed individuals, characterized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin and resulting in excessive amounts of glucose in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, weight loss, and in some cases progressive destruction of small blood vessels, leading to such complications as infections and gangrene of the limbs or blindness.

diabetes, type I

Also called insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes. A severe form of diabetes mellitus in which insulin production by the beta cells of the pancreas is impaired, usually resulting in dependence on externally administered insulin. The onset of the disease typically occurs before the age of 25.

diabetes, type II

Also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes, adult-onset diabetes, maturity-onset diabetes. A mild, sometimes asymptomatic form of diabetes mellitus, characterized by diminished tissue sensitivity to insulin and sometimes by impaired beta cell function, exacerbated by obesity and often treatable by diet and exercise.

digestion

The process in the alimentary canal by which food is broken up physically, as by the action of the teeth, and chemically, as by the action of enzymes, and converted into a substance suitable for absorption and assimilation into the body.

E

EFA

Essential fatty acid. (See also omega-3.)

electrolyte

Any of various ions found in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate the electric charge and flow of water molecules across the cell membrane.

enzyme

Any of numerous proteins produced in living cells that accelerate or catalyze the metabolic processes of an organism.

EPA

Eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oils. (See also ALA, DHA and omega-3.)

essential

Of a nutrient: one that is required for normal functioning of the body but cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be included in the diet.

F

fiber

A plant material that is largely resistant to the body’s digestive enzymes so that much of it moves through the intestines and is excreted from the body. As a result, it retains water and supports normal bowel movement because it keeps the food moving through the intestines. In addition, it helps slow the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, helping support healthy blood sugar levels.

flavonoids

See bioflavonoids.

free radicals

Unstable oxygen atoms, created during normal cellular metabolism. To become stable again, they try to obtain electrons from normal cells in the body, which can cause serious damage to those normal cells. Free radicals cause oxidation within the body, which is similar to the rusting of metal. Some diseases or health issues associated with free radicals are aging, coronary heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and cataracts.

G

glucose

Sugar; an important source of physiological energy.

glycemic index, GI

The measure of the impact of different foods on blood sugar levels.

Low GI foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels and metabolic rate.

High GI foods quickly raise blood sugar levels and insulin production and lower the metabolic rate.

glycogen

A polysaccharide stored in animal liver and muscle cells that is easily converted to glucose to meet metabolic energy requirements. Most of the carbohydrate energy stored in animal cells is in the form of glycogen.

H

HDL

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are composed mainly of proteins, with only small amounts of cholesterol. HDLs are often referred to as “good” cholesterol because they help remove cholesterol from artery walls and transport it to the liver for elimination from the body. Higher HDL levels actually protect against coronary heart disease. (See also LDL and cholesterol.)

homocysteine

An amino acid used normally by the body in cellular metabolism and the manufacture of proteins. Elevated concentrations in the blood are thought to increase the risk for heart disease by damaging the lining of blood vessels and increasing the risk of blood clot formation. High homocysteine levels are associated with certain vitamin deficiencies and metabolic disorders.

hydrogenation

Chemical process changing oils that are liquid in room temperature into solid fats. (See also trans fatty acids.)

I

immune system

The integrated body system of organs, tissues, cells, and cell products such as antibodies that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogenic organisms

insulin

A hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas. Regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells.

insulin resistance

A state of diminished effectiveness of insulin in lowering the levels of blood sugar. Results in increased levels of insulin production or blood sugar, or both. Typical of type II diabetes, but often occurs in the absence of diabetes.

isotonic

Of a substance or solution: containing the same salt concentration as mammalian body fluids (e.g., blood, sweat and tears).

L

LDL

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are composed mainly of cholesterol and have very little protein. They are often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because they are primarily responsible for depositing cholesterol within arteries. High levels of LDLs are associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease. (See also HDL and cholesterol.)

lipid

An organic substance of the fat group; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates).

liposome

A microscopic artificial sac composed of fatty substances and used to convey vaccines, drugs, enzymes, or other substances to target cells or organs.

M

metabolism

The sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available.

micronutrient

An essential nutrient, as a trace mineral or vitamin, that is required by an organism in minute amounts.

migraine

A severe recurring headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, characterized by sharp pain and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. Occurs more frequently in women than men. Also called megrim.

mineral

Any of the inorganic elements, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, or sodium, that are essential to the functioning of the human body and are obtained from foods.

N

nutraceuticals

Foods or components found in foods that have a beneficial impact on human health.

nutrient

Any substance that can be synthesized by a plant or metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue. Nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc.

O

olfactory

Of or pertaining to the sense of smell.

omega-3

An essential fatty acid found in certain foods, such as cold-water fish, flax seed, flax seed oil, soy, seaweeds, and walnuts. (See also ALA, DHA and EPA.)

OPCs

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Bioflavonoids found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E.

P

phosphate

A chemical compound that was once commonly used in laundry detergents in the form trisodium phosphate (TSP). Because of algae boom-bust cycles tied to emission of phosphates into watersheds, phosphate detergent sale or usage is restricted in some areas.

phytochemicals

Also called phytonutrients. Compounds found in fruits and vegetables that, while not required for normal functioning of the body, have a beneficial effect on health or an active role in preventing or curing disease. May promote the function of the immune system, act directly against bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, and be associated with the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and any other malady affecting the health or well-being of an individual.

phytonutrients

See phytochemicals.

probiotic

A substance that promotes the growth of microorganisms.

protein

Fundamental component of all living cells. Includes many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. Essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue. Can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes.

S

serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in the control of pain perception, the sleep-wake cycle, mood and hunger. Serotonin is found in many animal tissues, including the intestine and central nervous system. It is also produced in some bacteria and plants.

steroid

Any of a large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, as the sterols, bile acids, and sex hormones, most of which have specific physiological action.

sterol

Any of a group of predominantly unsaturated solid alcohols of the steroid group, such as cholesterol, present in the fatty tissues of plants and animals.

T

thermogenesis

The production of heat, esp. in an animal body by physiological processes.

thermogenic

Causing or pertaining to the production of heat.

toxin

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms and is capable of causing disease when introduced into the body tissues but is often also capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies or antitoxins.

trans fatty acids

Result of oil hydrogenation. Consumption by humans raises total and bad cholesterols and reduces good cholesterol. (See also hydrogenation and cholesterol.)

triglyceride

A substance that consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule and occurs naturally in animal and vegetable tissues. An important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body.

type I diabetes

See diabetes, type I.

type II diabetes

See diabetes, type II.

V

vitamin

Any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism, found in minute amounts in natural foods or sometimes produced synthetically. Deficiencies of vitamins produce specific disorders.