ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS heard often when speaking of AntiAging Vitamins, Anti-Aging Diet, Weight Loss Program, Nutrition and Supplements

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - A

ABSORPTION - the process of nutrients being absorbed through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream; deficiencies will result when nutrients are not properly absorbed

ACETIC ACID - a weak inorganic acid that is the active ingredient in vinegar

ACID - has a low ph; usually sour to taste; are often corrosive in their pure form; can be either organic or inorganic; when found in plant/fruit tissue acids tend to shrink tissues and prevent secretion of fluids

AMINO ACID - nitrogen containing organic acids from which proteins are made

ANTIOXIDANTS - block or inhibit destructive oxidative reaction (ex. Vitamins C and E, mineral selenium and germanium, the enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (sod), coenzyme Q10, and some amino acids

ASCORBATE - a mineral salt of vitamin c; less acidic than pure ascorbic acid; provides for better absorption of vitamin c and the mineral

ASCORBIC ACID – the organic acid known as Vitamin C

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - B

BETA-CAROTENE - a substance used by the body to create Vitamin A

BILE - a bitter yellow or green alkaline fluid secreted by hepatocytes from the liver of most vertebrates; stored in gallbladder and discharged to the duodenum where it excretes waste and aids in the process of digestion of fats

BIOFLAVONOID - referred to as Vitamin P; not technically a vitamin; essential for the stability and absorption of Vitamin C

BLOOD SUGAR - glucose present in the blood

BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACID - aka BCAA; referred to as the amino acids having aliphatic side chains; leucine, isoleucine and valine combined make up approximately one-third of the skeletal muscle and plays a significant role in protein synthesis

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - C

CARBOHYDRATE - an organic substance composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and serve as the major source of energy; mainly from plant origin

CAROTENE - a yellow/orange pigment that is converted to Vitamin A in the body; different forms are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene

CAROTENOIDS - a group of phytochemicals acting as antioxidants and including carotenes as well as other substances

CATALYSIS - acceleration of; increase in rate of a chemical reaction by way of a catalyst; accelerates a process

CATALYZE - to alter significantly

CEREBRAL - relating to the brain; a way of thinking that uses the intellect rather than instinct or intuition

CHLOROPHYLL - the pigment responsible for the green color of plant tissue; can be taken in supplement form as a source of magnesium and trace elements

CHOLESTEROL - a crystalline substance that is soluble in fats and produced by all vertebrates; necessary constituent of cell membranes; facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids; excess is a threat to health; LDL is the bad; HDL is the good

CITRIC ACID - an organic acid found in citrus fruits; used often to lower ph of cosmetics bringing them closer to natural ph of skin

COENZYME - a molecule that works with an enzyme to enable the enzyme to perform its function in the body; necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals

COMPLETE PROTEIN - a dietary protein containing eight essential amino acids

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATE - a type of carb, because of its chemical structure, causes a slow release of sugar into the body and provides fiber; carbs in starches and fiber are complex; aka polysaccharides

COMPONENT - the main ingredient

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - D

d- - dextro, latin for the meaning 'right'

DETOXIFICATION - reducing buildup of various poisonous substances in the body

DITHIOLTHIONES - phytochemicals found in broccoli that increase enzyme levels that help protect against certain types of cancer

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - E

ELASTIN - a protein that gives tissue elasticity

ELECTROLYTE - soluble salts dissolved in the body's fluids; the form in which most minerals circulate in the body; capable of conducting electrical impulses

ELLAGIC ACID - a phytochemical found in grapes and strawberries helping rid the body of free radicals

EMULSION - a combination of two liquids that do not mix (oil and water); one substance is broken into tiny droplets and is suspended within the other; first step in digesting fats

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - the system of glands secreting hormones into bloodstream; includes the ovaries, pancreas, pituitary, testes, thymus and throid glands

ENZYME - one of many specific protein catalysts initiating or speeding chemical reactions in the body without being consumed

ESSENTIAL - nutrients needed for building and repair that cannot be manufactured from within; must be supplied in the diet

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (FFAs) - cannot be manufactured by the body; they are arachidonic acid, linoleic and linolenic acid

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - F

FAT-SOLUBLE - capable of dissolving in the same organic solvents as fats and oils

FATTY ACID - organic acids from which fats and oils are made

FIBER - indigestible portion of plant matter; binds to toxins in the body and escorts them out

FIBROSIS - formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as a repairative or reactive process

FLAVONOID - aka bioflavonoid; referred to as Vitamin P; not technically a vitamin; essential for the stability and absorption of VitaminC; found in plants

FREE FORM - in its purest form

FREE RADICAL - form in heated fats and oils and from exposure to atmospheric radiation and pollutants; an atom or group of being highly chemically reactive because of having one unpaired electron; can attack cells and cause alot of damage to the body

FREE RADICAL SCAVENGER - a substance removing or destroying free radicals

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - G

GLOBULIN - a type of protein found in blood; some contain disease fighting antibodies

GLUCOSE - a simple sugar

GLUTEN - a protein found in grains, including barley, oats, rye and wheat

GLYCOGEN - a complex carb that is the main form in which glucose is stored in the body; in liver and muscle; converts to glucose when needed for energy

GRAM - a measurement of weight equivalent to 1/28 of an ounce

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - H

HDL CHOLESTEROL - a protein molecule transporting cholesterol in the bloodstream; Good cholesterol; high levels generally indicate low heart disease risk

HEMOGLOBIN - the iron-containing red pigment in blood that is responsible for transporting oxygen

HERBAL THERAPY - herbal combinations for healing or cleansing purposes

HORMONE - produced by the endocrine gland which regulates many bodily functions

HYALURONIC ACID - an organic acid known as the most effective natural skin moisturizer; is present in human skin; can hold 500 times its own weight in water

HYDROCHLORIC ACID - a strong corrosive inorganic acid produced in the stomach aiding in digestion

HYDROGENATION - a chemical process used to turn liquid oils into more solid form by bombarding the oil molecules with hydrogen atoms; destroys nutritional value of the oil

HYDROLYSIS - a process where a chemical compound is broken down by a reaction with water

HYPERCALCEMIA - abnormally high amounts of calcium in the blood

HYPERTENSION - high blood pressure

HYPOCALCEMIA - abnormally low amounts of calcium in the blood

HYPOTENSION - low blood pressure

HYPOTHALAMUS - a portion of the brain regulating aspects of metabolism; such as body temperature and the hunger response

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - I

INACTIVE INGREDIENT - inactive ingredients are not regulated by the FDA; the FDA does require a complete list of contents and are given in descending order of strength

INSULIN - a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the metabolism of glucose (sugar) in the body

INTESTINAL FLORA - bacteria present in the intestines; essential for the digestion and metabolism of certain nutrients

INTOLERANCE - inability to digest a particular food, due to lack of certain enzymes

ISOFLAVONES - a phytochemical inhibiting uptake of estrogen; may prevent estrogen based cancers (breast cancer)

IU - International unit; a measure of potency based on accepted international standards

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - L

l- - levo, latin for the meaning 'left'

LACTASE - an enzyme converting lactose into glucose and galactose; necessary for digestion of milk

LACTIC ACID - an acid that results from anaerobic glucose matabolism; present in certain foods, fruits, and sour milk

LACTOBACILLI - bacteria capable of trasferring lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid; L.dophilus and L.bifidus are the two most common in supplemental form

LDL CHOLESTEROL - a protein molecule transporting cholesterol in the bloodstream; Bad cholesterol; high levels generally indicate high heart disease risk

LECITHIN - a mix of phospholipids composed of fatty acids, glycerol, phosphorus, and choline or inositol; living cell membranes are mainly composed of lecithin

LIMONOIDS - phytochemicals found in citrus fruits; may inhibit production of cancerous tumors

LIPID - a substance found in nature that is soluble in the same organic solvent as fats and oils; choline, gamma-linolenic acid, inositol, lecithin and linoleic acid are the important nutritional lipids; main function is to store energy, act as structural component of cell membranes and signaling molecules

LIPOPROTEIN - a type of protein molecule that incorporates a lipid; act as agents of lipid transport in the lymph and blood

LIPOTROPIC - any number of substances which help prevent accumulation of abnormal or excess amounts of fat in liver; control blood sugar levels; enhance fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Choline, inositol and methionine are commonly used lipotropics

LUTEIN - one of the carotenoids; phytochemical found in kale, spinach and dark green leafy vegetables; beneficial for the eyes; may help in macular degeneration

LYCOPENE - phytochemical found in tomatoes; may protect against prostrate cancer; may protect skin against harmful ultraviolet rays

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - M

MALABSORPTION - a defect in the ability to absorb nutrients from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream

MENOPAUSE - cessation of menstruation; caused by a sharp decrease in the production of the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone; usually occurs after age 45 or removal of reproductive organs

METABOLIC - a wide range of biochemical processes occurring inside us

METABOLISM - physical and chemical process necessary to sustain life; including production of cellular energy, synthesis of important biological substances and degradation of various compounds

METABOLITE - substance produced as a result of a metabolic process

MICROGRAM - a measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1000 milligram

MILLIGRAM - a measurement of weight equivalent to 1/1000 gram

MINERAL - an inorganic substance required by the body in small quantities

MONOTERPENES - phytochemicals found in citrus fruits, eggplant, green vegetables, tomatoes and yams; act as an antioxidant; help protect immune system

MONOUNSATURATED FATS - can incorporate one additional hydrogen atom

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - N

NATUROPATHY - a form of health care using diet, herbs and nutural methods and substances to cure illnesses; the goal is to create a healthy body state without the use of drugs, by stimulating innate defenses

NEUROTRANSMITTER - a chemical that transmits nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another; Major neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine and serotonin

NON-ESSENTIAL - nutrients needed for building and repair that can be manufactured from within the body

NUTRACEUTICAL - a nutrient based product designed for a specific therapeutic purpose

NUTRIENT - a substance needed by the body to sustain life and health

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - O

ORGANIC - term used to describe food(s) grown without using synthetic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and hormones)

OSTEOPOROSIS - a disorder in which minerals leach out of the bones, rendering them progressively pourous and fragile

OXIDATION - a chemical reaction in which oxygen reacts with another substance, resulting in a chemical transformation; many oxidation reactions result in some type of deterioration or spoilage

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - P

PATHOGEN - a toxin; a small organism that can cause disease

PEPTIDE - a substance composed of two or more amino acids

PEPTIDE BOND - a chemical bond that is formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of the other molecule

PERIMENOPAUSE - the period before menopause; experience of uncomfortable symptoms due to fluctuating hormones; can be as early as ten years prior to actual menopause

Ph - Potential of hydrogen; a scale measuring acidity or alkalinity of a substance

PHYTOCHEMICAL - phyto means plant; present in fruits and vegetables; appear to help protect the body against illness

POLYUNSATURATED FATS - can incorporate two or more additional hydrogen atoms

PROBIOTICS - elements encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria in the body

PROTEIN - complex nitrogen based organic compounds made up of amino acids; basic element to all animal and vegetable tissue; hormones and enzymes are composed of protein; the body produces the protein it needs from dietary protein or amino acids for growth and functioning

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - R

RDA - recommended daily allowance; a set amount of nutrients to be consumed daily based on an average size person to prevent deficiencies; FDA sets the rda and the idea 'average size person'

RETINOIC ACID - vitamin a acid; active ingredient in retin-a

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - S

SATURATED FAT - a fat solid at room temperature; most are of animal origin; however coconut and palm oil come from plants; are fat molecules that cannot incorporate any additional hydrogen atoms

SATURATION - regarding 'fats' refers to the chemical structure of fatty acid molecules; specifically the number of hydrogen atoms present.

SEBUM - oil secretion produced by glands

SEROTONIN - a neurotransmitter found in the brain and considered essential to concentrating, relaxing and sleeping

SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATE - a type of carb, because of its chemical structure, is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream fast (ex. Fructose, glucose, and lactose)

SORBIC ACID - is an organic acid used to preserve food

STEROID - one of a group of fat soluble organic compounds with a characteristic chemical composition

SUBLINGUAL - under the tongue; active ingredient can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes

SYMPTOM - a bodily disorder that results in a bad feeling or inadequate functioning

SYNERGY - an interaction between two or more substances with their action together being greater than each, alone

SYNTHESIS - an integration of two or more pre-existing elements which result in a new creation; putting together individual parts to form a new whole

SYSTEMIC - the entire body

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - T

TOPICAL - surface of the body

TOXICITY - the quality of being poisonous; toxic reactions in the body impair function or damage cells

TOXIN - a poison that impairs health and normal functioning of the body

TRACE ELEMENT - a mineral required by the body in very small quantities

TRIGLYCERIDE - is the form in which fat is stored in the body; the primary type of lipid in the diet; consists of three fatty acids and glycerol

TRIPEPTIDE - a peptide consisting of three amino acids joined by peptide bonds; it has three double bonds

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - U

UNSATURATED FAT - fats that are liquid at room temperature; come from vegetable sources; GOOD sources of essential fatty acids. (ex. Flaxseed, sunflower, primrose and safflower oils)

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - V

VITAMINS - organic substances essential in small quantities for health and life; most cannot be manufactured by the body therefore they must be supplied by diet

ANTI-AGING-DEFINITIONS - W

WATER SOLUBLE - capable of dissolving in water