Rennet - an animal-derived substance used to make cheese. Rennet is derived from the stomach lining of calves. New genetic engineering techniques have generated the know-how to remove the specific gene that produces rennet and have reproduced it in bacterial species. This enables rennet production through a fermentation technique, eradicating the need for extracts from the stomachs of calves.
Lipoprotein - compounds of protein, which transport fats and fat-like substances, like cholesterol, in the blood.
Resistive Cuffs and Boots - equipment made of foam (to add resilience) that is placed on the wrists and/or ankles in order to create additional resistance for water sports, such as water aerobics (cardiovascular workout in the pool with minimal impact on the joints) and deep-water running. These devices can boost the intensity of the workout by upto five times.
Balancing Calories - a method of of weight control. In the end, weight management comes down to equating the caloric count of the food that is ingested with the number of calories used by the body. The specific issue for nutrition researchers is whether consumers make up for - or perhaps more than make up for - fats or calories when ingesting foods that have been modified to provide better nutrition. At present, research has been directed toward concentrating on the ways in which our system recognizes indications of having eaten enough to feel satisfied. It is uncertain whether the amount of energy stored in a given quantity of food, whether the ratio of nutrients - for instance carbohydrates, fats, and protein as well as water and dietary fiber which are present in a particular meal - conveys the message to the body that the appetite has been satisfied. By and large, the research demonstrates that people who are good at regulating their calorie intake over time will also regulate their caloric intake when they consume reduced-fat foods. This results in their consuming an almost identical number of total calories, with fats being reduced proportionately. Conversely, those people who should watch their weight may be more likely to choose modified, low-fat foods to consume fewer calories, but may still over-consume calories. Physical fitness experts could be instrumental in helping consumers identify how to achieve dietary recommendations for fat intake within a balanced and nutritious diet that includes the suggested quantities of a variety of foods.
Saccharin - a zero calorie synthetic sweetening agent. Saccharin, the earliest of the intense manmade sweetening agents, is currently derived from purified, synthetic methyl anthranilate, a chemical naturally found in grapes. Saccharine is 300 times sweeter when compared to table sugar, retains its properties when heated, and does not cause tooth decay. Saccharin has a long shelf-life, but has a somewhat bitter after-taste. It is not metabolized in the human digestive system, is excreted rapidly in the urine, and does not accumulate in the body.
Oils - triglycerides that retain a liquid form at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Oils are routinely included in the generic classification of `fat`, though, in terms of their chemical composition, fats are lipids that are solid at room temperature.
Weight-cycle - a repetitive cycle of weight loss and gain. Popularly referred to as `yo-yo` dieting.
RICE - stands for `rest`, `ice`, `compression`, and `elevation`. This is the standard treatment plan for acute injuries like sprains. When in doubt, people should seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare specialist.
Ascorbic Acid - also popularly known as Vitamin C, it is crucial in building collagen (the protein that makes up the connective tissues of the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments). Ascorbic acid encourages the production of new cells to heal wounds and scar tissue and it`s an antioxidant that keeps free radicals from adhering to 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, reduces the impact of hypersensitive reactions and contributes to the production of hormones and several other body chemicals and neurotransmitters. Fresh fruits and vegetables - such as green peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruit, mandarins) tomatoes, strawberries - provide fair amounts of Vitamin C.
Diallyl Sulfide - a class of sulphur compound /thoil that is present in onions, garlic, olives, leeks and scallions, which may give the health benefits of decreasing LDL cholesterol (a `bad` cholesterol that tends to deposit in the artery wall and narrow or block the artery) and of building up and sustaining a functional immune system.
RNA - also referred to as ribonucleic acid. This is a chemical similar to DNA whose major function is to activate the messages encoded in genes for the breakdown and absorption of protein.
Sorbitol - a sugar used to sweeten foods.
Alveoli - air sacs inside the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - A class of fatty acid present in some dairy and meat products, which may provide the health advantage of enhancing reduction in body fat and lipid levels and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Alpha-Carotene - a type of carotenoid found in carrots that provides the health benefit of neutralizing free radicals which may cause damage to cells.
Hypotension - very low blood pressure. It is often linked to shock, though not necessarily indicative of it.
Beta Cells - the insulin producing cells of the pancreas.
Clinical Trials - trials that conduct experimental studies on human participants. Trials might attempt to determine whether the results of essential research apply to humans, or to verify the discoveries of epidemiological research. Clinical trials could be small, comprising of a limited number of participants, or they may be large experimental studies on treatment that attempt to determine the outcome of medical therapies on whole sets of populations. The most highly-rated clinical trials are Double Blind, placebo-controlled studies, in which neither the test subjects nor the test administrators know what treatment is being used.
Lactose Intolerance - an inherited inability to adequately assimilate lactose (the sugar present in dairy products), due to a deficiency in the amount of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. This enzyme is essential to break down lactose (the complex milk sugar) into its constituent simple sugars, galactose and glucose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance, which include cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea, may get worse with ageing. This relatively harmless disorder is very common in non-Caucasian adults.
Oral Hypoglycemic Drug - pharmaceutical preparations ingested orally, which encourage the secretion or enhance the effect of insulin.
Cataract - clouding of the lens of the eye.
Liter - in the metric system, the basic unit of volume. One liter = 2.11 pints.
Hypoglycemia - too low a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs when an individual having diabetes has injected an excessive dose of insulin, consumed an insufficient quantity of food, or has exercised without extra food. A person with hypoglycemia may feel anxious and strung-out, shaky, weak, or sweaty, and have a headache, blurred vision, and a longing for food. Taking small amounts of table sugar, sweetened fruit juice, or food with white sugar will usually make the individual recover within 10 - 15 minutes.
Diabetes - the expression that covers a number of diseases characterized by excessive blood sugar levels. Normally, when people ingest food or drink, the nutrients are assimilated and a large portion of them are converted into glucose (also known as dextrose) - a type of simple sugar that is the body`s main source of energy. The blood transports the glucose to tissues and cells, where the hormone insulin aids in its absorption. For those with diabetes, however, the body is unable to make sufficient insulin, or it cannot properly metabolize the insulin that it produces. Without insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood rather than moving to the cells. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high.
Albuminuria - occurs when a protein called albumin is present in a person`s urine in excessive quantities - could be an indication of potential damage to the kidneys.
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