Live Well Information

Helix - a spiral staircase-like shape with a repeating pattern described by 2 concurrent activities (rotation and translation). Biological polymers usually display this kind of formation.


Lignans - a class of phytoestrogen present in flax, rye, and various vegetables, which can provide the health benefits of reducing `bad` cholesterol, overall cholesterol levels and improving the lipid profile, thereby providing a measure of protection against heart problems and some cancers.


ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) - a high energy-yielding phosphate atom that contributes to the generation and storage of energy. A compound which upon phosphorylation (that is, the addition of phosphate and energy) forms high energy bonds as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).


Algin - an organic compound that is extracted from algae and used as an emulsifying agent in puddings, milk shakes, and ice cream to add volume and texture to these popular foods and to provide longer shelf life.


Phentermine - pharmaceutical preparation to reduce the appetite, which inhibits neurotransmission of brain signals and is prescribed for obesity management.


Plants synthesize and store carbohydrates as their chief source of energy. The simple sugar (glucose) created in the foliage is utilized as the basis to produce more complex forms of carbohydrates. The categorization of carbohydrates is determined by saccharides, which are the essential structural components of their living cells. The primary monosaccharides that are present in food are glucose (also called dextrose) and fructose. Three standard disaccharides (two sugars linked together) are sucrose (from sugar cane and sugar beets), lactose (usually found in dairy products), and maltose (malt sugar found in some grains). Polysaccharides that are concerned with nutrition include starch, dextrin, glycogen, and cellulose.


Bariatric Surgeon - also known as an obesity surgery specialist. A doctor who performs bariatric surgery.


Caffeic Acid - a kind of phenolic compound present in several vegetables, fruits, and citrus fruits, provides much the same benefits as antioxidants and that could decrease the risk of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer`s disease, heart ailments, and eye disease.


Insoluble Fiber - a type of dietary fiber found in certain fruits (particularly the skin) and vegetables, whole-wheat products, and seeds and nuts. Typically, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It includes cellulose, some hemicelluloses, and lignin, which ease the passage of food in the digestive tract by adding bulk, and thereby may lower the risks of cancers of the rectum and colon. It may additionally help reduce the risk of breast cancer.


Body Fat - the proportion of an individual`s body mass that is not composed of lean muscle, water, bones, or vital organs.


Nutrients - chemical substances that make up food and are needed for the body to grow and function optimally. Nutrients fall into two classes: macronutrients and micronutrients. Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are macronutrients. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. People are advised to consume a variegated diet in order to give the body sufficient quantities of macro- and micronutrients. As an example, fish, poultry, and meat are rich in protein. Rice, potatoes, and cereals are rich in carbohydrates. Fats are plentiful in dairy products like butter and cheese, and in fatty meats. Vitamins are abundant in fruits and vegetables. Dairy products are excellent sources of minerals.


Isoflavones - a kind of phytoestrogen (plant compounds which have effects similar to that of estrogen) found in soya beans and soy-based foods (where the two primary isoflavones are daidzein and genistein), which could alleviate the symptoms of female menopause.


Anaphylaxis - a rare but potentially life-threatening condition when various organs of the body experience severe food-allergy-like symptoms concurrently, causing hives, swollen throat, and gasping for breath. This is the most serious allergic response to a food allergen and needs immediate medical attention if it occurs.


Prevalence - the number of existing cases of a disease in a defined population at a specified time.


Toxicology - the scientific study of the adverse effects of toxic substances on living organisms.


Cultivation (Organic) - an agro-farming procedure in which farmers use techniques such as crop rotation, cultivation, mulching, enriching soil by natural means, and the utilization of bacteria and parasitic organisms which naturally keep pests away. The now widely accepted definition allows farmers to utilize make use of organic pest control methods, but no manmade substances.


Spinning - a form of physical workout that involves using a stationary bike in order to simulate an authentic work-out as one would achieve from riding a bicycle outdoors. There are no computers attached to this indoor cycle, and the gadget has a single, fixed gear, racing handlebars, pedals with clips or cages, and a bicycle seat that is adjustable at forward or backward angles, higher or lower. In addition, the spinner is equipped with a resistance knob that the cyclist can adjust to regulate the intensity of every workout.


Sucrose - popularly called `table sugar`, sucrose is a disaccharide (composed of the two simple sugars, glucose and fructose) and providing 4 calories for each gram, which amounts to approximately 16 calories for each teaspoon. Sucrose is a form of sugar that the body must break down into a more simple sugar before the blood can assimilate it and carry it to the cells and tissues. Sucrose is processed from sugarcane or sugar beets. The procedure to refine this sugar eliminates contaminants from the sugar plant, providing the white crystalline substance commonly served in the sugar bowl. Molasses is just a more unrefined form of table sugar. (Also refer to `Carbohydrates`.)


WIC - acronym for the US special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. Established in 1972, the WIC program provides education on food and nutrition to better the dietary status of pregnant or breast-feeding women who are medically at risk, and young children up to 5 years of age, coming from low-income families. The WIC program is administered by the US Department of Agriculture.