Glossary of Nutritional Terms

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Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): ATP is an organic molecule that stores and releases chemical energy for use in the body’s cells. We use ATP for energy and metabolism, as well as DNA replication and transcription. It is referred to as the “molecular unit of currency” because of its prevalent use in the body. ATP is constantly recycled in the body - humans use and recycle their body weight of ATP each day.

Amino Acids: Amino acids are organic compounds containing nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are the building blocks of protein. They are vital to life and are used in metabolism. Because of their role in our biochemistry, amino acids are a very important part of nutrition. There are 22 standard amino acids and of these eight are considered essential amino acids because the body can’t produce them so they must be taken from food.

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.

Ascorbic Acid: Ascorbic acid is a sugar acid, or monosaccharide, with antioxidant properties, also known as vitamin C. We get vitamin C from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including citrus, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and strawberries. It has a number of important functions in the body, including the enhancement of iron absorption. A deficiency of vitamin C causes problems in the body such as poor bone growth and wound healing, as well as the disease scurvy. It is often used as a food preservative as well as an additive antioxidant in food.

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Beta-sitosterol: Beta-sitosterol is one of several phytosterols, or plant-based steroid alcohols. They can be found in small quantities in oils such as corn and soybean oil. They are used in cosmetics, medicine, and as a food additive taken to lower cholesterol.

Bioflavonoids: See Bioflavonoids or flavenoids are sometimes known collectively as vitamin P and citrin. They are classified into three categories according to their chemical structure. Research into the properties of bioflavonoids has centered around potential benefits for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, research has not conclusively proven these benefits. They can be found in citrus, tea, wine, and dark chocolate.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Body Mass Index is the official medical measure of obesity and body fatness. It is an index of a person’s weight relative to height.To estimate BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 705 and divide into your height in inches squared.

BMI = wt(lb) x 705/ht(inches sq)

For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight and a BMI above 30 is considered obese. This is considered a considerable health risk. A BMI lower than 18 is considered underweight.

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Calcium: Calcium is one of seven minerals required by the body. Most calcium is stored in salt form within bones. It is absorbed in the intestine with vitamin D. Calcium is required for teeth and bone hardness, and is also needed for blood cells, nerve transmissions, muscle contraction, normal heart rhythm, and blood clotting. It helps to activate certain enzymes and helps prevent hypertension. Deficiencies in calcium can result in osteoporosis and rickets in children. Calcium can be found in milk products, leafy green vegetables, egg yolk, and shellfish. It is recommended that adults over the age of 25 get 1000 mg per day.

Caloric Ratio Pyramid™: The Caloric Ratio Pyramid is a graph that shows the contents of a food’s three main macronutrients, carbohydrate, fat, and protein. The top of the pyramid indicates 100 percent fat, the right indicates 100 percent protein, and the left indicates 100 percent carbohydrate.The Caloric Ratio Pyramid was created by Nutrition Data to provide a quick visual indicator of a food's macronutrient content. For a more detailed explanation, please see Nutrition Data's Caloric Ratio Pyramid page.

Calorie: A calorie is a measure of energy in food. It is defined as the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius (or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). What we think of as a calorie is actually a kilocalorie (kcal), with the term calorie considered “large calorie” but more commonly used.

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.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a steroid found in animal fats as well as in most body tissues and is made by the liver. It is not used as an energy source but rather it is the structural basis of bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol helps to direct embryonic development. About 15 percent of cholesterol comes from the diet.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood through lipid-protein complexes called lipoproteins. If the complex has higher lipid density it is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL). If it has a higher protein density, it is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL). When measuring cholesterol, LDL is considered “bad cholesterol” and HDL is considered “good cholesterol”.

It is recommended that adults have a total cholesterol of 200 mg/100 ml of blood or lower. Too much cholesterol in the blood has been linked to atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, as well as arterial clogs. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

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.

Copper: Copper is one of the trace elements required by the body. It is concentrated in the liver, heart, brain, and spleen. It is required for the synthesis of hemoglobin, manufacture of melanin and myelin, and is used for electron transport. Copper deficiencies are rare. It is recommended that adults get 900 g. Copper can be found in liver, shellfish, whole grains, legumes, and meat.

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Daily Values: Daily Values (DV) are the dietary reference values that are used on all current U.S. Nutrition Facts labels. These values were determined by the FDA to best represent the minimum needs of the general population. For many nutrients, DVs will exceed your actual minimum needs, since they conservatively allow for the minimum needs of more demanding conditions, such as pregnancy or lactation. Most DVs are derived from Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) and other recommendations made by the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine (IOM).

For use on food labels, Daily Values formally replace all other previously used references, including Daily Reference Values (DRV), Reference Daily Intakes (RDI), and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).

Because your individual needs may differ from the established Daily Values, Nutrition Data allows you to maintain your own individual set of target values for nutrient intake.

Dietary Reference Intakes (IDV): See Daily Values

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.

Essential Amino Acids: Essential amino acids are the eight amino acids needed by adults for protein synthesis.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.  They are organic compounds that contain hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon.  The essential amino acids are tryptophan, methionine, valine, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, and lysine.  All of these amino acids need to be present and in sufficient quantity for cell activity.  If there is even one amino acid missing, a protein cannot be made. 

While the essential amino acids requirements vary among different individuals, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has proposed a standard that specifies the minimum amount of each essential amino acid that should be supplied per gram of protein consumed. This standard is the reference by which protein quality is determined. By comparing the limiting (i.e., lowest level) amino acid in a food with this standard, the amino acid score is determined. A score of 100 or above indicates a complete or high-quality protein; a score below 100 indicates a lower-quality protein. 

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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.

Folic Acid: Folic acid is pure vitamin used in the synthesis of certain amino acids, choline (a water soluble essential nutrient), and DNA.  It is required for red blood cell formation and embryonic development.  It also helps break down the amino acid homocysteine.  Folic acid is stored mainly in the liver.  Deficiencies can lead to anemia, gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.  In newborns a deficiency can result in spina bifida, low birth weight, and neurological deficits.  As a result, many breads and cereals have been fortified to include it.  Folic acid can be found in liver, orange juice, dark green vegetables, yeast, lean beef, eggs, and whole grains.  The recommended daily amount for adults is 400 g.

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.

Glycemic Index (GI): The Glycemic Index measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar.  Foods that break down, are digested quickly, and enter the bloodstream faster have a high GI, while foods that are digested more slowly and enter the bloodstream slower have a lower GI.  It was originally developed as a tool for people with diabetes.  The GI measures the insulin requirements of food and thus is a measure of the insulin demands of certain foods.  Glucose is typically used as a reference food, with an assigned GI value of 100.

Glycemic Load (GL): The Glyemic Load of carbohydrate content in foods per portion, based on the Glycemic Index.  It is a measure of blood glucose in different types and amounts of food.  The formula for determining GL is the Glycemic Index multiplied by the amount of carbohydrate in grams divided by 100.  For example, small amounts of carbohydrate rich foods have the same GL as a larger amount of less carbohydrate rich foods.

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HDL: HDL is an abbreviation for high density lipoprotein, which is a small lipid-protein complex.  The higher the percentage of lipid or fat in the lipoprotein, the lower its density.  The higher the percentage of protein, the higher its density.  HDL is considered good cholesterol.  HDL scoops up and transports excess cholesterol to the liver where it is broken down into bile.  Levels of HDL lower than 40 is considered undesirable, while levels of HDL higher than 60 is considered to protect against heart disease.

Histidine: Histidine is an essential amino acid used for protein synthesis.  It is an essential amino acid for infants because they do not produce histidine in adequate levels.  It is not considered an essential amino acid for adults because adult bodies produce it in adequate quantities.

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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Insoluble Fiber: Insoluble fiber is fiber that is not digested by humans. It increases the bulk of stool and helps to facilitate defecation. It is found in most vegetables and some other plant sources. Insoluble fiber is also referred to as roughage.

Insulin: Insulin is a small protein made up of amino acid chains and sulfide bonds. It is a hormone that is made in the pancreas. Its main job is to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels. It also assists with protein and fat metabolism. When blood sugar levels are high, insulin works by transporting glucose to body cells and stimulating glycogen formation in the liver. Insulin deficit is also known as diabetes mellitus.

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.

Insoluble Fiber: Insoluble fiber is fiber that is not digested by humans. It increases the bulk of stool and helps to facilitate defecation. It is found in most vegetables and some other plant sources. Insoluble fiber is also referred to as roughage.

Iron: Iron (Fe) is one of the trace minerals found in the body. As a component of blood, it aids in oxygen transport throughout the bloodstream. Roughly 60-70 percent of iron found in the body is found in blood, with the remaining portions found in the skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Iron deficiencies can lead to anemia, pallor, lethargy, and inability to maintain body temperature. The best sources of iron include meat, liver, shellfish, egg yolk, dried fruit, nuts, and legumes. It is recommended that adult males get 8 mg of iron a day and adult females get 15-18 mg of iron a day.

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.

Isomer: An isomer is a substance that has the same molecular formula as another substance, but with a different arrangement of its atoms.

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Kilojoule: A kilojoule is a unit of energy equal to one thousand joules. It is equivalent to the solar radiation received by one square meter of earth in one second. Some countries list food energy in terms of kilojoules on food labels.

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LDL: LDL is an abbreviation for low density lipoprotein, which is a small lipid-protein complex. The higher the percentage of lipid or fat in the lipoprotein, the lower its density. The higher the percentage of protein, the higher its density. LDL is considered bad cholesterol. LDL transports cholesterol to peripheral tissues so cells can use it for hormone synthesis, cell membranes, or storage for future use. Excessive amounts of LDLs can result in cholesterol deposits in arteries. Levels of LDL above 100 is considered undesirable, while those at risk for cardiovascular disease are recommended to have levels 70 or below.

Leucine: Leucine is one of eight amino acids essential for adults. It is used by the liver, fat tissue, and muscle tissue. In addition to animal sources, leucine can be found in beans and other legumes.

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.

Lipid: A lipid is an organic compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Examples of lipids include fats and cholesterol.

Lysine: Lysine is one of eight amino acids essential for adults. It is used in the production of elastin and collagen. In addition to animals sources, lysine can also be found in beans and other legumes.

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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.

Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral found in all body cells. It is especially abundant in bones. Absorption of magnesium is almost as much as absorption of calcium. It helps make up a coenzyme that aids in Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) conversion. It is required for normal muscle and nerve movement. Deficiencies in magnesium can lead to neuromuscular problems, tremors, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and hypertension. It is recommended that adult males get 400 mg of magnesium daily and adult females get 320 mg of magnesium daily. Good sources of magnesium include milk, dairy products, whole-grain cereals, nuts, legumes, and green leafy vegetables.

Maltitol: Maltitol is a sugar alcohol that is used a substitute sweetener. It is about 75-90 percent as sweet as table sugar. It is used to replace table sugar as a sweeter because it has fewer calories.

Manganese: Manganese is a trace mineral that is found most concentrated in the liver, kidneys, and spleen. It acts with enzymes in catalyzing fatty acids, cholesterol, urea, and hemoglobin. Manganese is also required for neural function, lactation, and carbohydrate oxidation. An excess of manganese can contribute to obsessive behaviors, hallucinations, and violent behaviors. The effects of a manganese deficit are not known. It is recommended that adult males get 11 mg of manganese daily and adult females get 8 mg of manganese daily. Good sources include seafood, meat, cereals, legumes, nuts, wheat germ, and yeast.

Mannitol: Mannitol is a sugar alcohol that is derived from sugar reduction. It is used as a sweetener and can be found in breath mints. In addition to uses as a sweetener it has use in medical applications. Menadione: Menadione is also known as K3 and can be classified as a provitamin. It is generally not used as a supplement. The FDA has banned the use of menadione as a supplement because of its high toxicity.

Methionine: Methionine is one of essential amino acids required by adults. It aids in the synthesis of phospholipids. In addition to animal sources, methionine can be found in corn and other grains. Microgram (mcg or µg): A microgram is a unit of mass equal to 1/1,000,000 of a gram. It is one of the smallest units of mass commonly used.

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 decreased intellectual capacity and increased maternal deaths by up to 50%.

Milligram (mg): A milligram is a unit of mass equal to 1/1,000 of a gram.

Monosaccharides: Monosaccharides are simple sugars, literally meaning one sugar. They are the building blocks of carbohydrates. Only glucose, fructose, and galactose are common in our diet.

Monounsaturated Fat: Monounsaturated fats are fatty acids that contain a double bond between carbon atoms. The double bond of a monounsaturated fat can’t get packed close enough together to solidify. They are common in plant oils. Examples include olive and peanut oils.

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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.

uperoxide 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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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.