Definitions of Nutrition and Lifestyle Health TermsObese Metabolic Syndrome Excitotoxin Waist-to-Hip Ratio Natural Flavor DASH Genetically Modified Organism Carcinogen PLU Stevia Sprouted Grain AMD Cruciferous Vegetables Enriched Fortified Interesterified Fat Extra-Virgin Olive Oil GRAS Free Radical Antioxidant Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness BMR Daily Value Carotenoid Atherosclerosis Flavonoid Phytochemical Catechins Anthocyanins USP ORAC Plaque BPA (Bisphenol A) Flatulence:Foods to Watch Homeopathy Irradiation Number Needed to Treat (NNT) Carrageenan Red Meat Prebiotics NanoFoods There are a number of health terms, words and phrases of health and nutritional significance, that everyone should be familiar with. Many of these terms are heard constantly on TV news programs. Obese- having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or greater; the BMI considers height and weight in its computations. Obesity raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, various cancers, Alzheimer's disease, sleep apnea, and other medical problems. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no state in America had obesity rates above 19 percent 15 years ago; today, only 4 states report obesity rates below 20 percent! Metabolic Syndrome- otherwise known as 'syndrome X' or 'insulin resistance' or MSX (metabolic syndrome X); according to U.S guidelines, if a person has 3 of the following 5 symptoms, he falls into this category: a. elevated triglycerides b. low HDL cholesterol c. elevated blood pressure d. elevated fasting blood sugar or e. excess abdomial fat. Excitotoxins such as MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) can trigger this syndrome. The metabolic syndrome can cause type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The risk for being included in the metabolic syndrome category increases by 40% when a man's waist reaches 40 inches; 37 inches for a woman. Excitotoxin- protein substances such as MSG and the artificial sweetener aspartame; these chemicals cause brain cells to fire their impulses rapidly when they make contact with them. These cells continue firing and remain in a highly agitated until they burn themselves out. Excitotoxins will make you fat.
Numbers greater than these indicates too much adominal (visceral) fat. This places the individual at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This person has an 'apple' type body. A person with a 'pear' shape body carries fat primarily around the hips. New research is showing that a waist measurement is a better indication of general health than bodyweight alone. A person with an 'apple' body type carries fat primarily around the abdomen. Abdominal fat is located near vital organs. This can lead to increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels which negatively impacts the health. Excess fat in the abdominal region has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The target waist size for men should be 35 inches or less and 32-1/2 inches or less for women. Waist size greater than these numbers leads to a corresponding increase in health risks. Natural Flavor- Natural flavors and artificial flavors sometimes contain exactly the same chemicals although produced through different methods. Amyl acetate, for example, provides a banana flavor. When amyl acetate is distilled from bananas with a solvent, it is called a natural flavor. When it is produced by mixing vinegar with amyl alcohol and adding sulfuric acid as a catalyst, amyl acetate is recognized as an artificial flavor. Either way it smells and tastes the same. "Natural flavor" is now listed among the ingredients of everything from Health Valley Blueberry Granola Bars to Taco Bell Hot Taco Sauce. When it comes to the food industry and the FDA, you can't expect terms such as 'natural' to mean what you would normally expect them to mean.
Stevia- An herb which grows in parts of Paraguay and Brazil. It has been used in South America for hundreds of years. Stevia is a sugar substitute which is concentrated and has virtually no calories. In its natural form, stevia is approximately 10 to 15 times sweeter than table sugar. It can be used by diabetics since it doesn't raise blood sugar. It is commonly processed into liquid, powder, packets, crystals and tablets. This plant extract is a natural healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study which found that extracts from the South American plant from which stevia is made contain antioxidants. According to researchers, these antioxidants could potentially protect DNA from the damage caused by hydroxide radicals. Sprouted Grain- Sprouted grain provides the maximun amount of nutrient content possible. As a matter of fact, sprouting is the only way to release all of the nutrients naturally stored in whole grain. Sprouted grain is loaded with protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins A, B, and C. One of the richest sources of vitamin C is sprouted grain. When wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt are combined an amazing thing happens. A complete protein is formed which resembles the quality protein found in milk and eggs. They mixture has all nine essential amino acids. In addition, there are 18 amino acids found in all vegetable sources. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)- AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people over 50. There are two lifestyle factors which can dramatically raise the risk for AMD. These factors are cigarette smoking and ACE inhibitor use (prescription hypertension drug use.) An Australian study has revealed that the risk factor for AMD was reduced by 70 percent for people who ate 3 or more servings of fish a week. Plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin were also found to be effective taken together for AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants. Lutein is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and collard greens. Zeaxanthin is found in yellow corn, orange peppers, kiwifruit, squash, mango, honeydew, broccoli, and egg yolk. The study which confirmed the risk reduction benefit of these two antioxidants found this to be true in women under the age of 75. There was no risk reduction for women over the age of 75. The May, 2007 issue of Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported on a study conducted on more than 1,000 women. The women with the highest bone mineral density (BMD) had a 34 percent lower risk of AMD than women with lower BMD. Calcium and vitamin D are important for dense bones. Age-Related Macular Degeneration was rare as late as 1980. And in recent decades there has been a 1000% increase! Dr. Paul Beaumont, one of the world's foremost food researchers, has found that people who eat higher amounts of vegetable oils (corn, soybean, safflower, etc.) lose theri vision 3.8 times faster, and have twice the risk of developing macular degeneration. A compound known as HNE forms when vegetable oils are heated. HNE attacks the arteries, nerves, and eye tissue. It has been implicated in hardening of the arteries, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, liver disease, as well as ARM. Processed vegetable oils are dangerous to your health and should not be used at all. Cook with butter, lard, or coconut oil. Cruciferous vegetables- A study conducted by the Northern Ireland Centre for Food & Health (University of Ulster) has revealed that the vegetable watercress contains one of the highest amounts of the nutrient PEITC (phenylethy isothiocyanate.) PEITC is believed to prevent the activation of an enzyme which is necessary for cancer to live. Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable. All cruciferous vegetables are high in cancer fighting nutrients including PEITC. In addition to watercress, cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi, turnips, rutabaga, arugula, radish, horseradish, bok choy, and wasabi. Enriched food- a food in which vitamins and minerals which were lost during the refining process have been added back in. Fortified food- vitamins and minerals have been added to food in addition to what was lost in the refining process. For example, milk is fortified with calcium and salt is fortified with iodine. DASH diet- Dietary Aapproaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet stresses nutrition to stop hypertension (high blood pressure.) The following dietary plan has been shown to reduce systolic pressure (the first or upper number) by 5.5 points and the diastolic pressure by 3. The reduction in numbers are said to be greater for African-Americans who are at the greatest risk for hypertension: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)- scientists manipulate the genes of plants (fruits, vegetables, grain) to achieve characteristics not found in nature. Soybean and corn are typically GMOs. Genetic modification involves adding new genes from some other living organism. Genes are strings of chemicals which comprise DNA. If, for instance, resistance to a pesticide is desired, the food would be genetically modified. The goal is to give new characteristics to a food that didn't have it by nature. This is truly man circumventing God's plan with human engineering. Whereas nutritional labeling is mandatory for all foods, the government doesn't require that the food companies label that their product has been genetically modified. Genetic modification, or as some are calling it, Frankenfood, is a new technology. As such it is untested. Scientists do not know if genetically modified foods will prove harmful. Despite this fact, it has been declared GRAS. One fourth of America's farmland has been converted to raise genetically modified crops. More... Carcinogen- a substance that leads to or causes cancer. Interesterified fat- a fat used by some manufacturers as a substitute for trans fat. Tests show that it may be even more harmful than trans fats. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil- one of the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet is the extensive use of Olive Oil. Olive Oil is a heart-healthy monounsaturated product. The best of the various varieties of olive oil is extra-virgin. Extra-virgin olive oil undergoes the least processing and keeps the most antioxidants. Olive oil is 75% omega-9 oil with no omega-3. Antioxidants are necessary to fight the free radicals which accelerate the aging process and are responsible for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Cancer may have found another deadly enemy. Researchers at the Spanish Institute de la Grasa and the University Hospital of Valme have found that extra-virgin olive oil may protect the stomach from ulcers as well as cancer by preventing infection by bacteria that cause them. GRAS- Generally Recognized As Safe; a designation used by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to denote that a substance has been deemed safe for human consumption. Free radical- a molecule with an unpaired electron; free radicals are unstable and attempt to capture an electron from another molecule in order to gain stability. When successful, they create another free radical and so begins a domino effect. Free radicals are very destructive to human life. They create inflammation and cause cell damage. Many things create free radicals. They are created when mitocrondria, which all human cells contain, convert nutrients from food into energy. Free radicals are also the result of excess iron in the body's organs and intense exercise (See rice bran extract.) The mitocrondria in people over the age of 60 is 40 percent less efficient than the mitochrondria in someone aged 40. Antioxidant- donates one of its electrons to a free radical; antioxidants are stable in both forms. Vitamin E is the body's most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant; vitamin C is the body's most abundant water-soluble antioxidant. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)- weight training causes small or micro tears in the muscle; this damage frequently occurs when the muscle experiences new trauma such as a new exercise, greater intensity, etc. DOMS will happen 24 to 48 hours after training. The muscle will adapt to the trauma getting stronger. Basal metabolic rate (BMR)- amount of energy the body needs to maintain normal functions (heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, etc.) while at rest. Specifically: the energy expended when the digestive system is inactive (requires 12 hours of fasting) and the subject is awake but completely at rest. Basal metabolic rate decreases with age. The body's metabolism begins to slow down at a rate of 2 to 4% per decade after the age of 40. In addition to this, weight loss will slow it down even more because valuable calorie-burning muscle is lost too. A University of Colorado Health Sciences study found that losing a pound of weight a week for 12 weeks lowered metabolism by 165 calories a day. Many see BMR and RMR (resting metabolic rate) as being synonymous. RMR is not as rigid as BMR. Carotenoid- the fat-soluble pigment in plant foods which give them their characteristic color. Carotenoid hues are typically red, orange, and yellow. Carrots, yams, and sweet potatoes are good examples. The major carotenoids are: alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. The body converts beta carotene into vitamun A. Daily Value (DV)- are a set of standards developed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which compares the percentage amount of nutrients in foods to what has been determined for a healthy diet. This percentage is usually based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Atherosclerosis- the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Flavonoid- class of water-soluble plant pigments. They are also known as bioflavonoids. One system breaks flavonoids down into sub-categories of: isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, and flavanones. Examples of flavonoids are genistein in soy and quercetin in onions. Researchers have discovered more than 4,000 flavonoids in plants. Phytochemical- non-nutritive cheimcals that have protective or disease preventative properties. Phyto- is the Greek word for 'plant.' Catechins- class of powerful antioxidants; EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in green tea is an example. Studies show that EGCG and ECG found in green tea may help fight the destruction of cartilage and collagen in arthritic joints. These flavonoids seem to be effective against inflammation. It is also thought that EGCG and ECG work against the underlying mechanisms in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Anthocyanins- a flavonoid. A pigment found in red/purplish fruits and vegetables. Examples are purple cabbage, beets, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, purple grapes, black beans, wild rice, etc. According to research performed at Ohio State University, anthocyanins may slow down the growth of colon cancer cells. They also may prevent heart disease and cancer-causing inflammation. Researchers have found 600 anthocyanins in foods. USP- U.S. Pharmacopeia. A non-profit organization whose responsibility is the setting of dietary supplement and medication standards recognized by U.S. federal law.
ORAC- (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity); measures the antioxidant levels of food and other chemical substances. The higher the ORAC value, the higher the food's antioxidant level. The recommended '5-a-day' fruit and vegetable servings will give an ORAC score of 1,750 units. A large handful of blueberries will give an ORAC value of about 6,000. ORAC score suggested by experts is approximately 5,000 units per day in order to have a significant impact on plasma and tissue antioxidant levels. Following are a some of the highest fruit and vegetable ORAC levels: Plaque- buildup in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks; it can be composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances which are found in the blood. New studies reveal that cholesterol is NOT the problem it was once thought to be. On March 8, 2004 the FOX News network had the following headline: "Excess Calcium in the Blood Causes Heart and Bone Disease." Findings from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, show that the buildup of calcium plaque in the arteries causes an increased risk of heart attacks and death from heart disease across many ethnic groups. Flatulence: Foods to Watch- Flatulence is defined as: a mixture of gases in the digestive tract. It's a natural phenomena which happens when normal, good bacteria in the intestine break down undigested food particles. Most of the gas is odorless and quiet. The normal human body passes gas 10 to 20 times a day.The underlying cause of most flatulence is the diet. Drinking water with meals, especially as you age and stomach acid decreases, makes complete digestion of food impossible. Food that is not thoroughly chewed is also a likely candidate for causing embarrassing gas. Food combinations can cause flatulence. Protein takes a while for the body to digest. When mixed with carbohydrates such as French fries and white potatoes and high sugar foods such as fruit will cause problems. The sugars from carbohydrates will sit in the digestive tract and ferment. A Mayo Clinic Health Letter compiled a list of foods which can cause gas: Dairy products which contain lactose (milk sugar.) Vegetables: onions, radishes, cabbage, celery, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, legumes Fruit: those that are high in sugar (fructose) including prunes, raisins, bananas, apples, apricots, and fruit juices from prunes, grapes, and apples Fiber Fatty foods and carbonated beverages Artificial sweeteners: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol Sources:NutraIngredients.com January 4, 2008 Homeopathy- uses the principle of like cures like. A small amount of a disease or an allegen provokes a reaction in a patient which then serves to protect against it. Pain or symptoms of an illness are understood to be how the body attempts to heal itself. Homeopathic medicines are made from plants, minerals, and animal products. Irradiation- (This symbol (left) must be displayed on all irradiated foods.) The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved irradiation for wheat, potatoes, flour, spices, tea, fruits, and vegetables. This process destroys valuable nutrients. "The process may cause a small loss of nutrients but no more so than with other processing methods such as cooking, canning, or heat pasteurization" (from the FDA's website.) I advocate as much of your food raw as possible. This ensures you get all the nutrients which would otherwise be destroyed by cooking and irradiation. As far as the safety issue is concerned, if factory-farming and toxic chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides were eliminated, and safe farming techniques implemented, safety would not be an issue. Number Needed to Treat- a statistic developed in 1988 to determine the value of a pharmaceutical drug. Its use was to assist the consumer to decide whether to take a certain medication. This is one number Big Pharma doesn't want the consumer to know. The number needed to treat was devised to answer the following question, 'How many people have to take a particular drug in order to avoid one incidence of a medical issue?' The NNT can best be illustrated by looking at BusinessWeek's story on this subject earlier this year. They examined Pfizer's newspaper advertisement for its cholesterol-lowering drug, Lipitor. The ad states that Lipitor reduces heart attacks by 36 percent. This claim however had an asterisk. Following the asterisk led to the statement: "That means in a large clinical study, 3% of patients taking a sugar pill or placebo had a heart attack compared to 2% of patients taking Lipitor." That means for every 100 people who took Lipitor over the course of 3.3 years, three on placebos and two on Lipitor had heart attacks! The NNT in this instance was 100. One hundred people would need to take Lipitor for over three years to prevent one heart attack! Looked at another way, ninety-nine people wasted hundreds of hard earned money and possibly suffered side effects for nothing at all. "Anything over an NNT of 50 is worse than a lottery ticket; there may be no winners" (Dr. Nortin M. Hadler, professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.) Dr. Jerome R. Hoffman, professor of clinical medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles weighed in with this question, "What if you put 250 people in a room and told them they would each pay $1,000 a year for a drug they would have to take every day, that many would get diarrhea and muscle pain, and that 249 would have no benefit? And that they could do just as well by exercising? How many would take that?" The above scenario paints the reality of cholesterol-lowering drugs. (See also Healthy heart) Carrageenan- Carrageenan is used to as a thickening agent, an emulsifier, and a stabilizer. It is also used in vegetarian products in place of animal-derived gelatin. Tests show that carrageenan can induce intense inflammation when injected into animal tissues. Diluted solutions of this agent next to existing tumors causes cancer to grow very fast. Prebiotics feed healthy bacteria and assists in their flourishing as they move through the intestinal tract. Research from the Institute of Food Research found that almonds significantly increase levels of helpful gut bacteria. Nanofoods are a subgroup of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology centers around the design and manipulation of substances on a molecular level. When applied to foods, manufacturers can enhance the flavor or nutritional profile of food. But, like genetically modified organisms and irradiation, sufficient testing hasn't been done to find out if there are any potential dangers. And similarly like GMOs, nanofoods are not required to be identified on food packaging. Anything which is engineered for consumption runs the risk of causing complications if the body cannot effectively process foreign materials. This is the problem with microwaved food. Its molecular structure is changed so much that it harms your body. As far as is known to date, there are three food products utilizing nanotechnology: canola oil (by Shemen Industries of Israel), Nanotea, and Nanoceuticals Slim Shake Chocolate (RBC Life Science.) Nanofoods are listed on product labels under the generalized heading artificial flavors. The only way to avoid this untested technology, as well as genetically modified organisms, is to stay away from ALL processed food. Return to Home Page From Health Terms
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Products bearing this mark (See right) on their labels have been independently tested and verified to contain the ingredients listed in the declared amounts. Also, you are assured that the contents are free of harmful levels of contaminants. Their ingredients will properly release into your body, and were made using good, safe manufacturing processes. 
the process by which foods are exposed to radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, or electron beams. This is also known as ionizing radiation. The purpose is to destroy insects and pathogens. 
a universal food additive used in ice cream and other dairy products, toothpaste, beer, processed meat, diet sodas, and soy milk. Carrageenan is extracted from red seaweed. The name comes from the type of seaweed found abundantly along the Irish coastline. 