A Health and Nutrition Glossary

Here are some common health and nutrition terms that you may come across while reading the pages in this website and others. It is a work in progress and will be added to as the site is updated.

A

acrylamide

Acrylamide is a chemical that can form from sugars and an amino acid (asparagine) in some foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking. It is produced industrially for use in products such as plastics, grouts, water treatment products, and cosmetics. It is also found in cigarette smoke. Acrylamide was first detected in certain foods in April 2002.

agar

A natural vegetable "gelatin" derived from seaweed. It is sold in the form of powder, flakes or bars and used to thicken salad dressings and desserts.

allopathic

Refers to allopathy, a medical system which tries to treat illness with remedies that cause effects different from the actual disease. The American medical system is nearly exclusively committed to this method.

anthocyanosides

A flavonoid antioxidant found to help strengthen capillaries and stabilize collagen. They also help with the structural integrity of arterial walls, prevent clumping and sticking of platelets, and improve night vision by speeding production of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the rods in the eye. Found in bilberries, cranberries, and blueberries.

antioxidant

A substance capable of preventing oxidation in another substance. Antioxidants include alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, flavonoids, enzymes, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, melatonin, methionine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin A and carotenoids.

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C

carbohydrates

Organic compounds which are the main source of blood glucose, the body’s major fuel. Simple carbohydrates include fructose, sucrose, and lactose. Fruits are one of the richest natural sources of simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates include fiber and starches, such as vegetables, whole grains, peas, and beans.

carcinogen

A cancer-causing substance or agent.

chiropractic

A system of therapy which usually involves manipulation (adjusting) of the spine or other areas of the body.

curcumin

Curcumin is an antioxidant found in turmeric. It is known for its antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also be effective in treating cancer and HIV infection.

D

diabetes

A metabolic disorder having to do with problems with the pancreatic hormone insulin. Type 1 (or insulin-dependent) diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. The most common form is type 2 diabetes in which the pancreas produces insulin in small quantities but not enough to adequately fuel the cells of the body.

E

ellagic acid

An antioxidant found in many vegetables and fruits, including pomegranates, pecans, walnuts, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other plant foods. It has been marketed as a dietary supplement with claimed benefits against heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.

enzymes

Protein substances that act as catalysts for the biochemical reactions in the body, often broken down into digestive enzymes and metabolic enzymes.
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F

flavonoids

Potent antioxidants produced by plants to protect themselves from bacteria, parasites, and cell damage. They are found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, spices, flowers, wine (especially red wine), apples, onions, blueberries, bilberries, and tea.

free radical

An atom or group of atoms containing at least one unpaired electron, making them highly chemically reactive and capable of causing oxidative damage to the body’s cells. They form in heated fats and oils, and exposure to radiation and pollutants, among other things.

G

genistein

An isoflavone phytochemical which is found in cabbage, broccoli, collards, kale, and soybeans. Studies have shown it helps with perimenopause and may prevent some cancers.

glycemic index

Glycemic Index is a measurement that ranks carbohydrates according to how they affect blood glucose levels.

I

immune system

An integrated system of organs, tissues, cells, and proteins that identifies foreign invaders and eliminates potentially harmful substances or organisms.

inflammation

Inflammation is a localized reaction to infection, injury, or irritation, characterized by redness, pain, swelling, and warmth.

insulin

Pancreatic hormone which controls the amount of glucose in the blood and the rate at which it is absorbed into the body’s cells.

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L

lacto-ovo vegetarian

A person who does not eat animal flesh but does consume dairy and eggs.

lycopene

A phytochemical found in tomatoes that has been shown to decrease prostate and lung cancer risk, as well as protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

M

macrobiotics

A lifestyle and dietary practice involving the balancing of yin and yang energies of foods. The diet consists of mostly whole grains, soups, vegetables, beans, and other supplementary foods.

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O

oxidation

A chemical reaction involving oxygen and another substance, resulting in a chemical transformation. It sometimes results in spoilage or deterioration.

P

pesceterian

A person who chooses to avoid eating mammals and birds but will include fish or seafood in the diet.

phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are plant substances, some of which seem to help protect the body against disease.

R

resveratrol

A substance found in plants, including grapes, mulberries, and peanuts, which may help protect against cancer and heart disease.

S

selenium

A mineral whose main function is to inhibit the oxidation of fats. It is an important antioxidant and protects the immune system. It has been shown to help protect against certain cancers.

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