Beta Glucan - type of polysaccharide (string of sugar molecules)
found in foods like oats, which supplies the health advantage of decreasing the threat of cardiovascular disease (disorders of the heart and circulatory system) by lessening circulating blood cholesterol.
Toxicology - the scientific study of the chemical effects and treatment of poisonous substances.
Tendon - the flexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones; an inflammation of the tendon is called `tendonitis`.
Methionine - an essential amino acid that provides the body with both labile methyl groups and sulfur, which are required for normal metabolic functioning.
Lactose Intolerance - a hereditary inability to adequately assimilate lactose (the sugar present in dairy products), because of the inability of the small intestine to produce enough lactase. This enzyme is essential for the hydrolysis of lactose (the complex milk sugar) into its component monosaccharides, galactose and glucose. Indications of lactose intolerance, which include cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea, could increase with advancing years. Lactose intolerance is very common in non-European adults.
Alternatives to Trans Fats in the Food Supply - the results of research on fatty acids (acids within the body derived from the breakdown of fats), concerned with both health and applicability, will probably have practicable uses for food scientists. Scientists continue to look for ways that will provide trans fatty acid (or `trans fat`) alternatives in order to make it easier for customers to meet recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It is necessary for trans fat alternatives to have the same measurable characteristics, such as texture, crunchiness, color and presentation, and stability of the product being substituted, while additionally staying affordable and freely available for use. The true test is in giving customers suitable alternatives with these measurable qualities that are lower in or free of trans fats, and are also made with lower levels of saturated fats (fats from animal products). To help consumers control blood cholesterol levels, margarines without hydrogenated fats are now available for purchase, and some margarines additionally have healthy plant sterols (organic chemicals that help reduce high cholesterol. To get additional knowledge about plant sterols, see the Functional Foods section of at IFIC.org. The evolving research behind dietary fats offers a great chance for nutrition scientists and food scientists to work in concert and deliver nutrition recommendations that promote health, and foods that comply with those recommendations.
Lactic Acidosis - a fatal metabolic disorder resulting from the build-up of lactic acid, which is released from glucose if there is insufficient oxygen. It has very much the same characteristics as ketoacidosis.
Soluble Fiber - a kind of dietary fiber found in psyllium, cereals, oatmeal, apples, citrus fruits, beans and other foods, which raises the `gumminess` and bulk in the gut and acts to reduce the levels of cholesterol, which, in turn, decreases the risk of coronary illness.
Counseling - the professional guidance given to an individual in a specific area.
Daily Value (DV) - information printed on food labels. DVs are reference values set up by the FDA to describe the nutritive value of food, so that consumers know what they are eating. DVs include two sets of standards - Daily Reference Values (DRVs) and Reference Daily Intakes (RDI`s).
Monounsaturated Fat - fat composed mostly of monounsaturated fatty acids. Fats that are in foods are amalgamations of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SAFAs). Monounsaturated fat is found in canola oil, olive oil and olives, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Eating food that contains more monounsaturated fats instead of saturated fat might help lower cholesterol and lower coronary disease health risks. Nevertheless, this fat contains the same caloric count as other types of fat, and may still contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess.
Pectorals - the 2 pairs of muscles stretching across the chest whose function is to draw the upper arms toward the chest or across it. The pectoralis major covers the chest from the top of the arm up to the clavicle (collarbone), down to the breast bone (sternum) and the topmost six ribs. The smaller of the two muscles, pectoralis minor, is situated underneath, and runs from the scapula (shoulder blade) to the middle of the chest.
Ascorbic Acid - also called vitamin C, it is necessary to maintain healthy cell structure, as well as healthy gums, teeth, and strong blood vessel walls. This vitamin promotes the production of new cells in wound healing and it`s an antioxidant, which prevents free radicals from hooking up with other molecules to produce harmful toxins capable of causing damage to tissues. This antioxidant vitamin protects the immune system, builds resistance to disease and infections, decreases the severity of hypersensitive responses and contributes to the generation of natural peptides or steroids (hormones) and several other body chemicals. Green peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, and many other fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C.
Control Group - the group of participants in a clinical study that serves as the basis for comparison so as to determine whether a treatment or observation is effective. In an intervention trial, this is the group of subjects that does not get the experimental treatment. Subjects have as many similarities as possible to participants in the experimental treatment or test group.
Crop Residues - detritus of plants left behind from the former harvest, which are allowed to remain on the surface soil. These field residues reduce soil erosion, pollution of the air and surface-water bodies, conserve soil moisture, and improve the soil by contributing organic matter.
Polyuria - excessive excretion of urine.
NFCS (Nationwide Food Consumption Survey) - a survey conducted by the USDA (US Department of Administration) approximately every 10 years, which tracks and monitors the nutrient intake of a cross-section of the U.S. population.
Clinical Trials - trials that conduct experimental research studies on human participants. Trials might endeavor to decide whether the discoveries of essential research are applicable to humans, or to confirm the discoveries of epidemiological studies that examine incidence, distribution, and control of diseases in human populations). Research studies may be conducted on a small scale, involving a limited number of participants, or they may be large-scale experimental studies on treatment that attempt to conclusively prove the result of medical treatments on whole sets of populations. The most valued clinical trials are double blind, placebo-controlled research tests, in which neither the test subjects nor the test administrators know what treatment is being used.
Polydipsia - an excessive or abnormal thirst for a prolonged duration; a symptom of diabetes.
Pelvic Floor Muscles - the group of muscles at the base of the pelvis, which help support the bladder, uterus, urethra, vagina, and rectum. This group of muscles can be strengthened by doing pelvic floor exercises, which make it easier to deliver a baby.
Biological Value (BV) - standard of quality of protein according to the ratio of nitrogen that is absorbed and which is retained by the body.
Herbicides - a class of specialized plant defoliants used to control hostile plants such as weeds on farmlands and in forests, as well as in non-agricultural applications, such as on golf greens, communal land and household front yards.
Urine Testing - checking urine to identify whether it contains sugar (glucose) and ketone bodies (substances produced when the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy). Reagents (substances used to detect pathologic processes) in the form of paper strips or tablets are put into a small quantity of the urine sample or in urine plus water. Alterations in the color of the reagent determine the quantity of glucose or ketone byproducts present in the urine. A urine test is the only way to see if the urine contains ketones, a sign of life-threatening illness.
