Glossary Of Definitions


ABSORPTION The physiological process where nutrients are assimilated into the bloodstream from the digestive tract.
AMINO ACIDs Amino Acids are the 'building blocks' of the body. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they help build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA), and they form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses. They also play a role in the enzyme & hormonal system, they carry oxygen throughout the body, and they participate in muscle activity. Twenty-two (22) known amino acids make up all the proteins in the human body. Eight (8) are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body), and the rest are non-essential (can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition). The eight (8) essential amino acids must be obtained through diet and/or supplements.
ANTIOXIDANTs Antioxidants help reduce free-radical damage within the body. Some antioxidants stop the formation of free-radicals, while others interrupt the oxidizing actions caused by free-radicals. Antioxidants help minimize the effects of degenerative diseases, and help boost the immune system.
BETA-CAROTENE This organic compound, chiefly found in all orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, is used by the body to make vitamin A. It is also a strong antioxidant in its own right. (See Antioxidants).
BIOFLAVONOIDs/FLAVONOIDs Bioflavonoids are herbal compounds that nourish our cells membranes and membrane functions. The first stage of disease is often malfunction or breakdown of cell membranes. Some bioflavonoids are considered antioxidants, and some are considered anti-inflammatories. Bioflavonoids must be obtained through diet and/or supplements. Highest concentrations are usually found in teas, grapes, and red wines.
CATECHINs Catechins are phytonutrients prominent in green tea, but can also be found in dark teas, grapes, and some wines. Catechins are typically more powerful antioxidants than Vitamins C or E, plus they exhibit anti-microbial properties.
ELECTROLYTEs Electrolytes are charged mineral ions that are vital to proper muscle function & transmission of nerve impulses. Many negative effects associated with dehydration & muscle fatigue, are due largely to the depletion of electrolytes.
ENZYMEs Enzymes are protein compounds that act as biochemical catalysts to enable the chemical functions involved with a) Transmission of nerve impulses, b) Breathing, c) Digestion, d) Conversion/breakdown of proteins into amino acids. (See also Coenzymes).
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDs (EFAs) Essential fatty acids are specific fats & oils that cannot be produced in the body. EFAs are the building blocks of the membranes (gate keepers) of every cell in the body. EFAs must be obtained through one's diet, or a deficiency will exist. The brain is 60% fat, and about 30% of that is in the form of long-chain fatty acids (DHAs). DHAs have positive effects on brain function, vision, and motor skills. EPAs are important in strengthening the cardiovascular system. Omega 3 helps lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Some studies suggest that Omega 3 may help lower high blood pressure. Deficiencies in Omega 3 are not un-common in the modern diet.
FIBER Fiber can be insoluable or soluable; both are beneficial & necessary for a healthy digestive tract. Soluable fiber lowers cholesterol & decreases the body's need for insulin. Insoluable fiber promotes healthy elimination of the stool (generally a softer stool with increased regularity).
FOLIC ACID This is the chemical name for vitamin B4. It helps with cell division, strengthening arterial walls, the maintenance of healthy blood, and the growth of the nervous system of fetuses. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair this vitamin from working.
FREE-RADICALs Free-Radicals are unstable molecules that are looking to "take" electrons during chemical reactions, from other molecules. This creates other unstable molecules, and a chain-reaction can occur. Anti-oxidants reduce or limit the unstable molecules, and the associated chain-reactions. Free-radicals are beneficial when killing bacteria, but are undesirable when damaging living cell membranes and mitochondria.
HERBs Low-growing seasonal plants that are noted for their aromatic or medicinal properties. Some supplements use herbal derivatives or extracts amongst their ingredients.
MACRONUTRIENTs These are the nutrients the body needs large amounts of, like carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
MINERALs Minerals are inorganic; they are not produced by plants & animals. Minerals enable chemical reactions to occur throughout the body, by functioning as coenzymes. Minerals must be obtained through one's diet or a deficiency will exist. Some minerals can accumulate in the body for extended periods of time, so although essential, there is potential to 'overdose' if taken in excessive amounts.
NUTRIENTs A foodstuff or other substance that provides the body with nourishing factors for continued metabolism and survival, through the sustainability and transference of energy.
PHYTOCHEMICALs/PHYTONUTRIENTs Phytonutrients are produced by algaes or plant-based sources, and are protective and disease-limiting compounds. They generally contain high concentrations of chlorophyll, amino acids, and/or bioflavanoids. In addition to nutrition, phytonutrients are important in detoxification. Chlorellas, Spirulina, and Blue-Green algaes are the most commonly used in supplements.
PROBIOTICs (Acidophilus/Bifidophilus/Lactobacillus) Probiotics are also called 'beneficial bacteria, and have been shown to boost immune function via their effects on increasing white blood cell numbers, activity, & effectiveness. Probiotic organisms can displace certain pathogenic microbes in the intestines, to prevent some diseases. Probiotic agents have provided treatment and benefits for a number of conditions including diarrhea, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel (IBD) and irritable bowel (IBS), atopic eczema, and some food intolerances.
THEAFLAVINs Theaflavins are antioxidant compounds found in dark teas, along with bioflavanoids. Theaflavins are formed from catechins, during the fermentation of dark tea. The antioxidant properties of theaflavins, tested with a human LDL base, were essentially the same as catechins, in their ability to neutralize free-radicals.
VITAMINs Vitamins are nutrients which are organic compounds, and are essential for metabolic reactions in living organisms. Lack of certain vitamins can be directly linked to specific diseases, hence the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) guideline by the Food & Nutrition Board. There are fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins; i) One can 'overdose' on fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) when taken in excessive amounts.