
Glossary
of Nutritional Terms
- AbsorbaLean(TM):
- A proprietary all
natural fiber complex derived from plants which
provides soluble and insoluble fiber. This unique
blend has been shown to effectively help absorb
dietary fat from the gastrointestinal tract and
accelerate its elimination from the body.
- Absorption:
- The process by which
substances are taken in through the cell
membrane. For example, the way in which foods are
absorbed through the cell walls in the intestinal
tract. Another form of "absorption"
occurs when optimal quantities of fiber are
present in the intestinal tract. With AbsorbaLean(TM), for example, the dietary fats in
the intestinal tract are absorbed right into the
bulk/fiber, and are then promptly eliminated from
the body.
- Amino Acid:
- These are the
building blocks of protein. There are 8 essential
amino acids which the body cannot synthesize
itself and, therefore, must come from our diets.
The term essential is misleading because
studies conclude that all amino acids and amino
acid like compounds are essential to human health
- whether the body manufactured it, we have
consumed it from the food or we have taken it in
a supplement form. An example is L-Carnitine,
added to baby formulas for the last decade
because it is so critical to the health of the
heart muscle.
- Anti-oxidant:
- The human body both
produces and is constantly exposed to dangerous
substances called free-radicals. Free radicals
have been pinpointed as being one causative
factor in premature aging. Anti-oxidants serve to
destroy or neutralize these dangerous substances.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well as selenium
provide potent anti-oxidant activity. Researchers
are finding that the newly discovered
phytochemicals may provide even stronger
anti-oxidant activity when supplied in proper
amounts.
- Assimilation:
- The process by which
the body correctly utilizes vitamins, minerals,
fats and carbohydrates which have been absorbed.
One would expect to assimilate everything that
one swallows, however, this is not the case. For
example, the calcium present in milk is not
necessarily fully assimilated due to several
factors. Calcium in supplement form is likely to
be easier for many individuals to assimilate.
- Dietary Fat:
- The fat contained in
the foods we eat. Excessive dietary fat
can quickly increase one's amount of body fat
(adipose tissue). Studies show that eating fat makes
fat, and also contributes to several health
complaints including serious diseases. There is
a role for dietary fat, however. We need to take
in a very small amount of fat in order for the
fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K) to be
utilized. Small amounts of dietary fat are also
necessary for hormone production within the body.
For example, when an individual decides to eat
absolutely no fat whatsoever, problems arise. In
women, often menstruation is disrupted, and in
both sexes, thyroid, adrenal and other critical
hormones are not able to be produced in
sufficient quantities. This is certainly not to
suggest eating more fat. People generally eat far
too much. Cutting back on fats overall, and
paying close attention to the kind of fat (olive
oil on a salad is better than the fat in French
fries), while specifically eliminating the most
dangerous form of dietary fat (hydrogenated fat)
is the best advice.
- DV:
- Daily Value is a new
term that went into effect in 1994 indicating
general nutritional requirements. Most of the
values are fairly close to what they were
previously (considered by many researchers to be
exceedingly low). It replaces the U.S.R.D.A.
- Encapsulated:
- This refers to the
two-piece, hard, gelatin capsule form
supplements. Many individuals feel that this form
of vitamin is easier to swallow and assimilate,
as opposed to large, bulky tablets. Both the BTRIM(TM) and BLEAN(TM) products as well as the BFIT(TM) product are encapsulated.
- Enzyme:
- The human body both
produces enzymes itself and relies upon countless
enzymes from food. Without enzymes, the body
could not sustain itself. Enzymes are made up of
proteins and are very specific in function. Many
enzymes are involved in digestion. Others are
responsible for a wide range of vital functions
within the body. Enzymes are extremely sensitive
to heat. A diet rich in fresh, raw fruits and
vegetables will help insure proper levels of
enzymes. Papaya and pineapple are excellent
enzyme sources.
- Fat
Metabolizers:
- This term refers to a
group of nutritive compounds which function to
assist the body in more rapid breakdown of
adipose tissue. These compounds also function to
help the body to solely use food and adipose for
fuel, as opposed to using (and causing the loss
of) valuable lean muscle tissue.
- Female
Factors:
- This term refers to a
group of nutrients such as herbs, B vitamins and
minerals which provide a stabilizing effect on a
woman's system. For example, the herb Black
Cohosh is used to assist a woman's hormonal
balance. Additionally, Springtime Horsetail
provides silica which may improve bone density.
- I.U.:
- International unit.
Vitamins E, D, K and A are usually measured in
international units, or I.U.'s. These nutrients
are all fat soluble; I.U. is found to be a more
accurate method of measurement for this
classification of nutrients.
- Male Factors:
- This term refers to
herbs, amino acids and phytonutrients which serve
to support male function. For example, the herb
known as Saw Palmetto has been found to help
improve the prostate function.
- Metabolic
Rate:
- The rate at which
chemical changes occur within the body. For
example, the rate at which we burn fat for fuel
(energy).
- Metabolism:
- All of the chemical
changes that occur within cells which are grouped
together. For example, the most commonly
discussed form of metabolism is the metabolism of
food.
- Mcg.:
- Microgram. Elements
such as selenium, B-12 and Folic Acid are usually
measured in mcgs. One thousand micrograms equals
one milligram.
- Mg.:
- Milligram. Vitamin C
is usually measured in mgs., the same being true
of calcium and magnesium. One thousand milligrams
equal one gram.
- Phytochemicals:
- Also known as
phytonutrients or food actives, this group of
literally thousands of compounds are currently
being discovered in plants, herbs, produce and
grains. Most phytochemicals appear to have
anti-oxidant action, some such as green tea
polyphenols are found to be quite powerful.
Phytochemicals can be found in berries, soybeans,
lemon peel, grape skins and seeds, green peppers
and in a host of other sources. Researchers from
every major country are currently doing studies
on this group of recently identified nutrients.
- RDA:
- Recommended Daily
Allowance. A reference point for general daily
nutrient requirements. (A growing number of
researchers feel these figures are exceedingly
low.)
- Tocopherol:
- The compounds present
in the natural Vitamin E Complex as they occur in
nature. For example, Vitamin E is actually made
up of beta, gamma and delta tocopherols in
addition to the alpha form (the most popular
form). Since the alpha form was isolated, the
other tocopherols have also been proven to have
important activity, and they support the function
of the alpha form-making Vitamin E as a whole
work more efficiently in the body.
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