Antibodies "Shock troope in the body defence mechanism, capable of destroying bacteria and other potentially harmful substances. They are manufactured in lymph tissue, such as of the spleen, in response to the presence of foreign substance in the body, such as allergen or a virus. Each antibody combats a particulat, infection; for example, a chicken pox or a cold virus. Once the body has an effective antibody it becomes immune to that disease. Antibodies are transported around the body inthe bloodstream.

Anti-Carcinogens Agents found in some foods that are thought to counteract carcinogens and so help to prevent some sorts of cancers from being initiated. Cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale) are particularly rich in these compounds, which include carotenoids, indoles and isothiocyanates.

Bioflavonoids Chemicals found in fruits such as lemons, plums, grapefruit, cherries, blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as buckwheat. Bioflavonoids usually have strong antioxidant properties and are thought to help prevent certain forma of cancer. In the body they work with Vitamin C to strengthen the capillaries or small blood vessels.

Biological Antioxidant Compound that protects biological systems against the potentially harmful affects of oxidation, especially those caused by oxygen derived freeradicals.

Carotenoids A family of widespread natural pigments found in plants and animals. These are more than 600 known natural carotenoids, all of them synthesized only in plants. Plants are the source of the carotenoids present in animals. there is a growing body evidence that indicates the importance of certain carotenoids to our health and well being.

Coenzymes Organic compounds that work with enzymes to speed up biological processes such as digestion. A coenzyme may be a vitamin, or contain one, or to be manufactured in the body from one. For example, coenzyme A - used in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats - contains pantothetic acid, a B vitamin.

Cofactor A A general term for non-protein substances that must be present in suitable quantities before certain enzymes can function.

Emulsifiers Additives that allow oils to be blended with water, overcoming their natural reluntance to mix.

Essential Fatty Acids Some types of polyunsaturated fatty acids are not made in the body and must be suplied by polyunsaturated fat in the diet to maintain health. There are two main categories ; omega -6, found in foods such as corn oil and sunflower oil, derived from linoleic acid; and omega-3 found in rapeseed oil, walnuts and oily fish, derived from the similarly named linolenic acid. These fatty acids maintain cell membranes, transport fats, around the body and are needed to make protaglandins (important hormone- like chemicals).

Glycerol or Glycerine Glycerol is an important structural compound of fats and oils. A complete splitting (hydrolysis) of fats / oils results in glycerol and free fatty acids. Glycerol finds uses as a hemectant,a food ingredient, in pharmaceutical products and in explosives. Glycerol can be synthesized from petroleum feedstock.

Linoleic Acid One of the omega-6 family of essential fatty acids. It is found normally in vegetable oils such as those made from corn (maize) and soya as well as in some anomal fats. It is always automatically aded (along with linolenic acid) to milk formula preparations for babies.

Lipids General terms used to describe fats, oils and waxes, together with more complex molecules. They are insoluble in water.

Lipoproteins Particles made of proteins and lipids which enable insolubel fats to be transported in the bloodstream. low - density lopoproteins (LDL), transport cholesterol to the body cells, where it forms a component of the cell walls and plays a part in other essential functions.A high level of LDL in the blood an reflect a high cholesterol level, which raises the risk of heart disease. The reasons for high - level of LDLs in the blood may be hereditary or diet - related, or a combination of the two. High density lipoproteins (HDLs) remove surplus cholesterol from the tissues and carry it to the liver for excretion. A high level of HDLs in the blood indicates a lower than average risk of heart disease.

Macronutrients General term for those nutrients the body needs in relatively large amounts to produce energy, such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Oxidative Stress Oxidative damage inflicted on the organism by reactive oxygen derived free radicals. It reflects the failure of the organism to maintain its healthy antioxidant protection.

Phytochemicals A group of compounds that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. They are now thought to offer degree of protection against cancer, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension and other degenerative ailments. While it has not yet been proven that these chemicals arrest cancer, there is evidence that people who enjoy a diet rich in fruit and vegetables have a lower incidence of cancer. carotenoids, indoles and isothiocyanates are all phytochemicals.

Polyphenols A group of organic compounds (which includes the tannins) that are found in many foods such as tea, coffee and red wines. They combine with iron and can therefore hinder its absorption.

Polys Small growths that form on a mucous membrane, most commonly in the nose and sinuses. They are rarely malignant, but may need to be removed surgically to prevent discomfort or chronic infection. Polyps in the lower bowel can sometimes become cancerous.

Polyunsaturated Fats (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) Forms of fat are found in high levels in corn oil, sunflower oil, nuts, some margarines and oily fish such as mackerel. They include the two families of essential fatty acids that are necessary for health, so small quantities should be included in the diet. A high diet in polyunsaturated fats and low in both trans and saturated fats lowers blood cholesterol levels and hence reduces the risk of heart disease.

Saturated Fats The predominant type of fat in meat, dairy products such as butter and cheese, palm oil and coconut oil. A high intake of saturated fat has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease.

Steroids A type of lipid. Naturally occurring steroids include both the male and female sex hormones as well as bile sites. A range of synthetic steroids are similar to male sex hormones and can enable athletes to build muscle mass rapidly as well as increase their stamina. Sometimes anabolic steroids are used illegally by athletes to boost up their performance.

Triglycerides The form in which fat is stored in the body. During digestion, triglycerides from food are broken down and then reconstituted in the cells of the intestine walls, before passing into the bloodstream. Studies suggest there is a link between raised levels of triglycerides in the blood and the risk of heart disease. But other forms may be involved too, physical exercise has been shown to reduce the presence of triglycerides in the blood, while consuming a lot alcohol can increase it.

Tocotrienols and Tocopherols Light yellow, fat - soluble, viscous oil produced primarily in plants. The chloroplasts of young plants contain significantly amounts of alpha - Tocopherol which is the most active isomer. As the plant matures, other various tocopherols appear. Some food sources containing vitamin E include plant and seed oils, nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, eggs, liver and milk. This naturally occurring tocopherols and tocotrinols constitute the majority of the Vitamin E group of compounds.