Glossary of Nutritional Terms
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Anthocyanadins: Anthocyanadins are very powerful antioxidants from the flavonoid family that are found in virtually every type of plant, but are most common in red, blue, and purple fruits. They are the sugar-free part of anthocyanin and have significant health benefits in the fight against free radicals.
Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins are red, blue, and purple pigments found in many fruits, such as raspberries and the Amazon Palm berry (Acai) that are powerful antioxidants and can fight free radicals within the body. Some potential health benefits include preventing cancer, diabetes, signs of aging, and some bacterial infections.
Antioxidant: An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the damage done to cells by free radicals. It transfers its extra electrons to damaged atoms and molecules, neutralizing the free radicals.
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Beta-sitosterol: Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol or phytoestrogen that looks similar to cholesterol in appearance, but is used to lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting the body’s ability to absorb it. There is also potential evidence of some its ability to fight some types of cancer. It does not raise the level of natural estrogen in the body.
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Campesterol: Campesterol is a phytosterol that is a phytochemical and is found in plants and many vegetable oils; is used in conjunction with beta-sitosterol to lower blood cholesterol. Cholestatin is a campesterol complex and is often taken as a nutritional supplement. There are also applications for it in cosmetics and medicine.
Carotenoids: Carotenoids are red, yellow, and orange fat soluble pigments found in many plants that are powerful antioxidants and related to Vitamin A. There are over 600 different carotenoids pigments and many people with high levels of beta-carotene have a greatly reduced risk of lung cancer.
Catechins: Catechins is a kind of flavonoid found in the highest levels in unfermented green tea leaves, but is also present in cocoa and wine. Catechins is a powerful antioxidant known for its disease fighting properties. It may prevent certain cancers and has powerful protections properties for DNA cells.
Cholecalciferol: Cholecalciferol is also known as vitamin D3 and promotes strong teeth and bones, as well as phosphorus and calcium metabolism. It prevents rickets and will produced when sunlight reacts with the body’s steroids, which are found in fat cells. Sunlight also helps the skin make Vitamin D.
Cobalamine: Cobalamine: is also known as vitamin B12 and works in tandem with other B complex to convert glucose to energy; builds muscle tone and promote healthy nerve function. It is the only biomolecule has a carbon metal bond. It is often used to treat pernicious anemia.
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Dietary Fiber: Dietary Fiber is also known as roughage. It is the portion of plant foods that is indigestible, but aids in digestion and defecation by absorbing water. It promotes regularity and can when consumed as part of a healthy diet and it can lower the risk for many diseases.
Dihydrophenylisatin: Dihydrophenylisatin is a substance most commonly found in prunes. It is a natural, gentle, effective laxative. It aids in the contraction of the digestive tract muscles, which helps in defecation.
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Enzyme: Enzyme is a complex protein that living cells produce that catalyzes the chemical life processes, but does not become altered during said processes. Almost all known enzymes are proteins. Many enzymes work together to build up and break down biomolecules within the body. An enzyme is a catalyst.
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Fatty Acids: Fatty acids are the basic units of fat and are the building blocks of lipids, are required for healthy cell membrane function, healthy skin, and for the metabolism of cholesterol. When the body does not have enough glucose or sugar levels drop too low, fatty acids are burned for energy.
Flavinoids: Flavinoids are water soluble pigments found in different plants. Thousands have been identified and these compounds are antioxidants that help maintain your body’s health; however, they are not listed as an essential nutrient. Flavinoids are also known as citrin and Vitamin P. Catechins are part of the flavinoid family.
Fluoride: Fluoride: is a chemical substance that is used to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel; it is the simplified form of fluorine. Fluoride makes its way to the teeth either by a fluoride application at the dentist or through the intake of food and fluorinated water.
Folate: Folate is also known as Vitamin B9 and Folic Acid. It is necessary for cell reproduction and growth and is required to produce red blood cells. It is found in highest levels in nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Deficiencies can lead to anemia and can increase the risk of certain kinds of birth defects.
Free Radicals: An atom, molecule or ion missing an electron is called a free radical. Free radicals damage or destroy healthy cells. Cells that are damaged or destroyed, cause sickness and disease.
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Ginsenosides: Ginsenosides is a substance found in ginseng and other related types of plants that may be the cause of the effects on human: any one of several triterpenoid saponins. Some types of this substance have been shown to increase testosterone levels and may help prevent breast cancer.
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Hydroxyl: Hydroxyl is a molecule that consists of a hydrogen atom that is connected to an oxygen atom by a single bond. This free radical is found in phenols, alcohols, and other types of chemical compounds. It is made by removing a hydrogen ion from water and is another name for the OH - ion.
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International Unit (IU): International Unit (IU) is a unit of measure normally used for vitamins D, A, and E, and also is used to measure the potency of a substance. It is a minute unit of mass and is used to quantify the activity of vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and drugs. It is also called a USP unit in the United States.
Isoflavones: Isoflavones are a type of plant hormone that closely resembles human estrogen. Soybeans contain very high levels of isoflavones. Other health benefits include lower serum cholesterol levels and relief for many symptoms of menopause. There are currently many studies about the effectiveness of isloflavones in preventing heart disease and some forms of cancer.
Isoleucine: Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that is naturally occurring in proteins; it is required for life, but must be taken in through food, as the human body cannot synthesize it. Because it has a hydrocarbon side chain, it is classified as a hydrophobic amino acid.
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Lignans: Lignans is a type of plant compound that is best known for its weak estrogen properties and is found mainly in flaxseeds, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. It's a small molecule that is bound to a protein. It is converted in the digestive tract into the metabolic products that have the estrogen properties.
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Macronutrient: Macronutrient is a primary nutrient and is required in large quantities in order to a living thing to continue living and to grow. These nutrients build and repair body tissues, regulate body functions, and give energy and heat. Organic macronutrients include carbohydrates fats, and vitamins. Inorganic forms include minerals, water, and oxygen.
Micronutrient: Micronutrient are minerals, vitamins, or other substances needed in small amounts for life, metabolism, and growth, such as iron, zinc, chromium, and cobalt. Deficiencies in micronutrients can be responsible for increased intellectual capacity and reduce maternal deaths by up to 50%.
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Nueroprotection: Nueroprotection is a very broad term used to describe any therapy or treatment used to prevent damage to neurons, or nerve cells, within the Central Nervous System. It's often used after acute disorder or trauma to the central nervous system in order to maintain the highest level of neural function in the brain.
Nutrient Density: Nutrient Density is a means of measuring the amount of minerals and vitamins in a set amount of food. A low nutrient density food provide calories for energy, but do not provide much nutritional value. It is the opposite of energy dense foods. It the ratio of total nutrients to total energy.
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PAC: PAC is an acronym for Proantocyanidin, which is a powerful antioxidant found in apples, red wine, and grapes that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It is available in some therapeutic and nutritional supplements. It a polymer chain of flavonoids and was once referred to as Vitamin P.
PAL: PAL is an acronym for physical activity level commonly used in the British nutritional system. It is also one of five flavonoid pathway genes that is less present in plants with white or pink flowers than it is in other pigments.
Pantothenic Acid: Pantothenic Acid is found in almost every food; helps convert food to energy, necessary to make red blood cells and important hormones; also known as Vitamin B5. It is required for the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates. It also aids in the development of the central nervous system and building important antibodies.
Peroxyl: Peroxyl radicals are a type of free radical that can damage molecules in the body. This damage is done when the radical strips the molecule of an electron. This process creates another free radical. However, it is unknown just how they interact with the body’s DNA.
Peroxynitrite: Peroxynitrite is a nitrating agent and an oxidant that can damage many different kinds of cells, such as proteins and DNA because of its oxidizing properties. It is prepared by the reaction of nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. While it is not a free radical, it is the product of two free radicals, superoxide and nitric oxide.
Phenolics: Phenolics is a large group of compounds found in wine that can be grouped into flavonoids and non-flavonoids that affect the color, mouth feel, and taste of wine. Phenolics are found in the stem, skin, and seeds of grapes. 90% of the phenolics found in red wine are flavonoids and the amount found in grapes increases as they exposed to sunlight.
Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning that it is necessary for life in animals, and is naturally occurring in proteins. It is essential for a child’s growth and metabolism of protein. It is found in high levels in milk and eggs and once in the human body, it’s converted to tyrosine.
Phylloquinone: Phylloquinone is fat soluble vitamin and is also known as Vitamin K1 and is necessary for blood clotting function. It is most commonly found in broccoli, green cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, as well as other green vegetables. Sunlight causes it to decompose, but it’s stable in water and air.
Phytonadione: Phytonadione is another name for phylloquninone, which is vitamin K1 and necessary for the body’s blood clotting functions. It is most commonly found in broccoli, green cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, as well as other green vegetables. Sunlight causes it to decompose, but it’s stable in water and air.
Phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are also known as phytochemicals. It’s the term given to compounds found in plants that have disease preventing qualities, such as beta carotene. Carotenoids, phytosterols, and limonoids are also in this group. The term also refers to any plant substance that provides nutrition. These substances have antioxidant properties.
Polyphenol Oxidase: Polyphenol oxidase is an enzyme found in many fruits and is the cause of browning in fruit. It’s also responsible for browning in coffee, cocoa, and tea that happens during processing. It may also be found in some bacteria, fungi, and animals. It may also be referred to as tyrosinases.
Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are complex sugars, such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch; molecules of sugar that are connected like a polymer. These carbohydrates are chains of at least eight monosaccharides. Potatoes, wheat, rice, and corn are all high in polysaccharides. Some forms of this substance, such as glucose, are stored in muscles and the liver.
Potassium: Potassium is a mineral needed for healthy kidney function, as well as for healthy muscular, heart, and digestive functions. It is essential for protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It is present in every living tissue and is only found in nature as ionic salt. However, it is highly concentrated in fruits.
Proantocyanidin: Proantocyanidin is a powerful antioxidant found in apples, red wine, and grapes that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It is available in some therapeutic and nutritional supplements. It a polymer chain of flavonoids and was once referred to as Vitamin P.
Protein: Protein is a nutrient essential to the body that builds skin, muscle, bone, and blood, and is made up of amino acids that are arranged in a chain polymer. It is a major source of calories in a diet and is found in the highest levels in meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. Each protein has a unique function, such as hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.
Pterostilbene: Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid chemically related to resveratrol. It is thought to be the key compound found predominantly in blueberries (as well as grapes) that exhibit anti-cancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertriglyceridemia properties, as well as fight off and reverse cognitive decline. It is believed that the compound also has anti-diabetic properties, but so far very little has been studied on this issue. Additionally, it is also touted as a potent anti-fungal.
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Quercetin: Quercetin is a plant substance of the flavonoid family that is often taken as a nutritional supplement for its antioxidant, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help the body by fighting off many toxic microorganisms. It is a free radical scavenger and an immunity booster.
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Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes that is known for its many benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer and its anti-aging properties. It also can normalize unstable blood glucose levels, which shows promise for diabetics. It is effective against cell death and neuronal cell damage. The full effects of this substance on the human body are still unknown.
Retinol: Retinol is also known as vitamin A1. It is required for healthy bone growth and promotes healthy vision. It also promotes healthy mucus membranes and improves the appearance of the skin. It increases the rate at which skin cells rejuvenate and improves collagen production. It’s found in the highest levels in green vegetables and fish oil.
Riboflavin: Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B12 and is responsible for maintaining a healthy immune system. It a key factor in hormone production, as well as healthy red blood cells; also releases energy from food. It works to prevent weight loss and skin lesions. It promotes general overall health.
ROS: ROS is an acronym for Reactive Oxygen Species, which is another name for free radicals. These molecules they are very damaging to other molecules in the body. A free radical strips electrons from other molecules, which results in a new free radical. These free radicals can cause a number of problems, including speeding up the signs of aging.
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Selenium: Selenium works hand in hand with vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant to bind toxins and make them harmless to the body; found in lobster, oysters, clams, and Brazil nuts. It is needed for proper heart and immune functions. It also helps promote tissue elasticity.
Singlet Oxygen: Singlet Oxygen is a single molecular oxygen that is unstable, but energy rich; oxygen in its diamagnetic form. It is a more reactive form of oxygen and it can persist in a normal room environment for over an hour. It is also a highly toxic free radical that causes normal cells to shut down naturally.
Soluble Fiber: Soluble Fiber is a type of dietary fiber that will dissolve in water and converts to a gel during the digestive process; helps slow digestion to aid in nutrient absorption. It promotes regularity and can when consumed as part of a healthy diet, it can lower the risk for many diseases.
Sulforaphane: Sulforaphane is an antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial compound that can be taken in by eating such cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. When applied to the skin, sulforaphane protects from UV rays. While much is still unknown about this substance, it has produced promising results in clinical cancer trials.
Superfoods: Superfoods commonly refers to a class of foods known for their very high antioxidant content. Among them are acai berry, cranberry, blueberry, bilberry, acerola and tart cherry. For a more complete list, go to Antioxidant Rich Foods.
Superoxide Anion: Superoxide anion is a free radical capable of destroying components of cells; it is an oxygen derivative that is harmful; it has been linked to the signs of aging. It is sent out by the immune system to kill microorganisms. Superoxides are also used in firefighter’s oxygen tanks for a steady supply of oxygen.
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Theronine: Theronine is an essential amino acid that is required for sustained life, but can only be taken in through food; colorless and in crystalline form, is a necessary component of human nutrition. It is found in cottage cheese, fish, poultry, lentils, and sesame seeds. In plants, it is synthesized from aspartic acid.
Thiamin: Thiamin is also known as aneurin or vitamin B1. It converts food to energy, promotes healthy nerve function, muscle tone, and growth. It is added to flours and grains due to loss during baking. Deficiencies lead to cardiovascular problems and a disease called beriberi. If not treated with thiamin, the disease is fatal.
Tocopherol: Tocopherol is also known as vitamin E. It is essential for normal reproduction and has strong antioxidants properties to kill free radicals in the body. It protects cells from oxidative damage and facilitates the absorption of vitamin C. It is found in high levels in wheat germ and vegetable oil.
Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that must be taken into the body through foods such as chocolate, oats, and bananas. It can be converted into niacin, serotonin, and auxin. It is often taken as a nutritional supplement and is sometimes used as a sleep aid. There are current tests to see if tryptophan can help with depression as well.
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Valine: Valine is an essential amino acid that is required by infants for optimal growth. It also promotes muscle coordination and mental vigor in adults, as well as nitrogen equilibrium. It most commonly found in cottage cheese, sesame seeds, fish, poultry, and peanuts. It is named after the plant valerian.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is also known as Retinol. It is required for healthy bone growth and promotes healthy vision. It also promotes healthy mucus membranes and improves the appearance of the skin. It increases the rate at which skin cells rejuvenate and improves collagen production. It’s found in the highest levels in green vegetables and fish oil.
Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 is also known as aneurin or thiamin. It converts food to energy, promotes healthy nerve function, muscle tone, and growth. It is added to flours and grains due to loss during baking. Deficiencies lead to cardiovascular problems and a disease called beriberi. If not treated with thiamin, the disease is fatal.
Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 is also known as Riboflavin and is responsible for maintaining a healthy immune system. It a key factor in hormone production, as well as healthy red blood cells; also releases energy from food. It works to prevent weight loss and skin lesions. It promotes general overall health
Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 is also known as Niacin and is necessary for nerve function, blood circulation, appetite, and a healthy digestive system; is a requirement with other B vitamins for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy. It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol.
Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic Acid and is found in almost every food. It helps convert food to energy, necessary to make red blood cells and important hormones. It is required for the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates. It also aids in the development of the central nervous system and building important antibodies.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxine, helps convert food to energy, promotes healthy red blood cells, helps prevent heart disease, and helps with a healthy immune system and antibody production. It is also essential for proper cellular growth. Vitamin B6 travels through the body in only 8 hours.
Vitamin B9: Vitamin B9 is also known as Folate and Folic Acid. It is necessary for cell reproduction and growth and is required to produce red blood cells. It is found in highest levels in nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Deficiencies can lead to anemia and can increase the risk of certain kinds of birth defects.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamine and works in tandem with other B complex vitamins to convert glucose to energy; builds muscle tone and promote healthy nerve function. It is the only biomolecule has a carbon metal bond. It is often used to treat pernicious anemia.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic Acid and it helps promote healthy gums and teeth, may boost immunity, builds healthy skin and bones, and helps wounds heal faster. A deficiency can cause scurvy. It is not synthesized by the human body, but is used in a number of ways.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is also known as Cholecalciferol and it promotes strong teeth and bones, as well as phosphorus and calcium metabolism. It prevents rickets and will produced when sunlight reacts with the body’s steroids, which are found in fat cells. Sunlight also helps the skin make Vitamin D.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also known as Tocopherol. It is essential for normal reproduction and has strong antioxidants properties to kill free radicals in the body. It protects cells from oxidative damage and facilitates the absorption of vitamin C. It is found in high levels in wheat germ and vegetable oil.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is also known as Phylloquinone and Phytonadione. It is a fat soluble vitamin and is necessary for blood clotting function. It is most commonly found in broccoli, green cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, as well as other green vegetables. Sunlight causes it to decompose.
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Xanthones: Xanthones are oxygenated compounds that are found in very high amounts in Mangostin. It is also used during the preparation of xanthydrol. Xanthydrol is used in medicine to determine the level of urea in the blood. It was introduced as an insecticide in 1939 and is still used to get rid of moth eggs and larvae.
Xanthophylls: Xanthophylls are the orange or yellow pigments found in a plant substance known as carotenoids, egg yolks, human blood plasmas, and some animal fats. Xanthophylls are another name for lutein and some can help with pro-vitamin A activity. Almost all xanthophylls found in the human body are from plant consumption.
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Zeaxanthin: Zeaxanthin gives corn its yellow color and cannot be made by the body; found in high amounts in the retina of the eye. It can only be taken in high quantities through daily supplements. There are some studies that suggest a supplement of zeaxanthin may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Zinc: Zinc is an important
mineral that enzymes need in order to divide and repair cells. It also
promotes a healthy immune system, night vision, taste, reproductive
organ health, and healthy skin, bones, and hair. It can slow down the
aging process to a point and helps the body heal faster after injury.
