Health Terms Glossary
Antioxidants (AO's)
- A variety of substances which protect the body against attack from 'free radicals' which can damage DNA and cell membrane, causing premature ageing, cancer and degenerative diseases. Some are vitamins (A, C, E; and Betacarotene) and many are the coloured pigments found in fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants do not work by themselves, but in tandem with other related antioxidants. Therefore, they should always be taken as a balanced complex.
Consider Antioxidants if you are exposed to high levels of pollution, smoke, stress, sunlight; or if you exercise (particularly aerobic forms).
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Water soluble vitamin found in most fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly peppers, kiwi fruit, oranges, tomatoes, strawberries. Not heat stable so best sources are raw.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Best taken in 'time release' form.
- Needed for: immune function; collagen products for skin, bone and joint strength; antioxidant; detoxifying. Protects against heart disease and cancer; production of antistress hormones.
Consider Ascorbic Acid if you are suffering from frequent colds, slow healing, tender gums, infections, nosebleeds, high cholesterol.
Beta-carotene (also see Vitamin A)
- Vegetable form of Vitamin A, which needs conversion inside the body. Non toxic.
- Found in red / orange / yellow fruit and vegetables e.g. carrots, peppers, watermelon, mango.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
Consider Betacarotene if you suffer from frequent colds and infections; mouth ulcers; poor night vision; dandruff.
Bioflavonoids
- Water soluble substances found in nature with Vitamin C and enhancing its effect.
Consider Bioflavonoids if you bruise easily, have bleeding gums, nose bleeds, and varicose veins.
Calcium
- Most common mineral in the body.
- Found in dairy produce, green leafy vegetables, almonds, corn, seeds and nuts.
- Needed for: bone and teeth formation; healthy heart; blood clotting; muscle function.
- Works best in combination with Magnesium, Boron, Vitamins K and D.
Consider Calcium if you suffer from osteoporosis, muscle cramps, period pains, insomnia, high blood pressure.
Chromium
- Found in brewer's yeast, wholegrain bread, oysters, wheatgerm.
- Needed for: blood sugar control; appetite control; heart function; DNA production.
Consider Chromium if you suffer from low concentration; dizziness, sweating or irritability if you go without food; sweet cravings; excessive thirst; weight gain.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)
- Components of some oils which are required by the body as part of the diet, as it is not possible to manufacture them. They fall into several groups: omega 3,6,7, and 9 (see longer article in Health Concerns).
Folic Acid (folate)
- Water soluble vitamin found in wheatgerm, nuts and green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, sprouts).
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: formation of nervous system in foetus; preventing spina bifida; formation of red blood cells; brain function; heart protection.
Consider Folic Acid if you suffer from anaemia, eczema, twitches, poor memory, depression and circulatory problems.
Free Radicals (FR's)
- Chemical 'buzz bombs' released in the process of energy production in each cell. Free Radicals can cause damage to DNA and other cell components. They are also increased due to pollution, smoking, sunlight, stress and exercise. The Free Radicals can be neutralised by antioxidants, assuming a high enough concentration of these is present.
Iron
- Found in liver, red meat, pumpkin seeds, parsley, almonds, apricots.
- Needed for: production of haemoglobin in red blood cells; oxygen transport; enzyme production; energy release.
Consider Iron if you suffer from anaemia, sore muscles, sensitivity to cold.
Iron can be toxic if not required. Do not take a supplement unless you are definitely Iron deficient.
|
