Stearate - a saturated fat containing 18 atoms of carbon that
form its molecular composition that is fundamentally non-reactionary in terms of leading to coronary heart illness in humans (that is, it is not seen to appreciably increase LDL levels in the bloodstream). Due to the ability to resist oxidation and the neutral impact on heart disease, oils that contain stearate are an excellent cooking oil choice.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA / EPA) - a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid present in some fish and marine oils, which contribute toward lowering the risk of coronary heart illnesses and help in better vision and sharper mental functioning. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaneoic acid (EPA) are the important compounds in these fatty acids.
Beta Cells - the insulin producing cells of the pancreas.
Antigen - an `invading` substance (typically a protein) that, when gaining access into body, triggers the production of antibodies by the immune system.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio - a proportional measurement that decides the level of obesity. This ratio is considered to be a more accurate indicator of the risk of heart attack than is BMI (body mass index). To work out the waist-to-hip ratio, divide the waist measurement in inches by hip measurement in inches. A waist-to-hip ratio under 0.8 for females and 0.9 for males is considered the mean average. A higher waist-to-hip ratio indicates the chances of heart disease.
Neotame - a versatile, recently discovered zero-calorie sweetener comprising 2 basic components of protein, the amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid, combined 2 organic functional groups, a methyl ester group and a neohexyl group. It is around 7,000 - 13,000 times more sweet in comparison with white sugar and, with this property, captures the `essence of sweetness` with merely an extremely small amount required to sweeten food. The chemical composition of this sweetener makes it stable for use in baking. Neotame was approved by the FDA in 2002 for overall utilization in food products and beverages following an extensive appraisal of more than one hundred research studies substantiating its safe and functional properties. This sweetening agent is quickly processed by the body, entirely eliminated, and does not build up in the human system. Neotame can also be safely used by all individuals, including pregnant and lactating women, young children, and people with diabetes.
Algin - a compound which is extracted from brown algae (including kelp) and used as an emulsifying agent in desserts, milkshakes, and ice-cream in order to make these foods creamier and thicker and in order to extend shelf life.
Adrenal - a gland of the endosecretory system (comprising of organs that release their products into the blood) that secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction and influence almost every cell and organ in the body, including adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol (associated with the physical effects of the stress response within the body).
Yoga - a program of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being. The numerous disciplines of yoga incorporate poses (or asanas) to boost muscle tone and agility, breath-control exercises that calm and purify the body, and meditation to help the mind and body relax and manage stress better.
Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) - a protein-coated fat compound of cholesterol. LDL is formed from VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) particles, which circulate in the blood. Commonly called `bad` cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the cells of the body. Raised levels of LDL are most clearly associated with arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arterial walls) and increase the risk of cardiac disease. An LDL that is under 100 mg/dL is considered best, 100 to 129 mg/dL is considered borderline or just over the recommended levels, 130 - 159 mg/dL is said to be verging on high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is said to be high, and 190 mg/dl or more is considered extremely high.
Stanol / Sterol Esters - a heterogeneous group of functional chemical compounds found in wood oils, corn, soy, and wheat, which could lower the risk of heart disease by decreasing the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Weight Management - a system for sustaining body weight at a level that is conducive to good health. For those whose body weight has exceeded the ideal level, weight management entails a schedule of regular physical exercise and watching the amount of food (caloric) intake.
Morbid Obesity Diet - also referred to as `after gastric bypass surgery diet`, `gastroplasty diet`, and `roux-en-y diet`. This diet plan is a severe dietary schedule that people are put on after bariatric (obesity) surgery. It typically limits patients to less than 800 calories per day.
Vegetarians - a broad expression describing people who choose not to include any form of animal-source food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or milk) in the foods they eat. Ovo-vegetarians include eggs (and egg products) in their diet of vegetables, and people who also include milk in this diet are known as `ovo-lacto vegetarians`. Since there is no known vegetable that contains every one of the indispensable amino acids but these amino acids are present in eggs, a diet that includes eggs protects against amino-acid deficiency. Based on the findings of the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), less than 1 % of Americans are genuine vegetarians.
No-till Farming - a technique of agriculture where the cultivator limits or eliminates using machines to plow or turn over the soil (for example, going over the field just once). The plant residue left behind after the previous crop helps to inhibit the spread of weeds and reduce soil erosion, but this practice also presents a conducive environment for insects to live and reproduce, resulting in a need for stronger measures in pest control.
Soluble Fiber - a kind of fiber present in food intake that is present in psyllium, cereals, oatmeal, apples, citrus fruits, beans and additional foods, which increases the viscosity in the digestive tract and acts to reduce high blood cholesterol levels, which, in turn, decreases the chances of cardiovascular or coronary disease.
Counseling - the professional guidance given to an individual in a specific area.
Prandial - describing mealtimes: pre-pandial (before meals or meal-times) and post-prandial (following meals or mealtimes).
Pectin - a naturally-occurring gelling agent present in ripe fruit. Pectin is a vital ingredient in making jams and jellies. Certain fruits contain high pectin levels (for instance, apples, citrus fruits, red currants, and blackberries), but others have low quantities of pectin (for instance, strawberries), so lemon juice has to be added to those jams or jellies to help them gel.
