Category: Terms

Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in all parts of the body. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat so the body can use them. Blood clotting is another example of enzymes at work. Enzymes are needed for all body functions. They are found in every organ […]

Lipid: Another word for “fat.” A lipid is chemically defined as a substance that is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Lipids are an important component of living cells. Together with carbohydrates and proteins, lipids are the main constituents of plant and animal cells. Source: www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4168

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria, yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods and are also widely used in scientific research and to produce […]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Millions of Americans suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can improve a wide variety of these conditions and, as a result, are commonly prescribed. SSRIs work by blocking a receptor in brain cells that reabsorb the chemical serotonin, thereby more of this chemical […]

Fiber, which used to be called “roughage,” is only found in foods from plants, such as beans, grains, vegetables, and fruits. It passes through the body with very little change in the digestive system. That means that fiber provides few or no calories, in addition to having many health benefits. Benefits While maintaining the health […]

Estrogens are hormones that are important for sexual and reproductive development, mainly in women. They are also referred to as female sex hormones. The term “estrogen” refers to all of the chemically similar hormones in this group, which are estrone, estradiol (primary in women of reproductive age) and estriol. Estrogen’s function: In women, estrogen is […]

de·coc·tion noun: the liquor resulting from concentrating the essence of a substance by heating or boiling, especially a medicinal preparation made from a plant. a decoction of a root: the action or process of extracting the essence of something.

Serotonin is a chemical created by the human body that works as a neurotransmitter. It is regarded by some researchers as a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance, and that a deficit of serotonin leads to depression. Serotonin is created by a biochemical conversion process which combines tryptophan, a component of proteins, with […]

Antispasmodic: A medication that relieves, prevents, or lowers the incidence of muscle spasms, especially those of smooth muscle such as in the bowel wall. Source: www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10942

Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties. Source: www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10215