Diet Terms T-Z /GlossarySome more diet terms T-Z are explored here. They are not exhaustive and will be added to from time to time. TriglyceridesTriglycerides are the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fats. Triglycerides play an important role in metabolism as energy sources and transporters of dietary fat. They contain more than twice as much energy (9 kcal/g) as carbohydrates and proteins. As the brain can not utilize fatty acids as an energy source, the glycerol component of triglycerides are converted into glucose for brain fuel. In the human body, high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream have been linked to the risk of heart disease and stroke. Moderating the consumption of fats, alcohol and carbohydrates and partaking of aerobic exercise are considered essential to reducing triglyceride levelsType 2 DiabetesType 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency, and hyperglycemia. It is often managed by increasing exercise and dietary modification. It is now increasingly seen in children and adolescents, an increase thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity in this age group. Modifying the diet is known to help control glucose (or glucose equivalent, eg starch) intake, and in consequence, blood glucose levels. Additionally, weight loss is often recommended in persons suffering from Type 2 diabetes. In September 2007 a study undertaken in Canada found "Either aerobic or resistance training alone improves glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes, but the improvements are greatest with combined aerobic and resistance training than either alone."ThermogenicsThermogenics are dietary supplements used to stimulate the body's burning of fat. Thermogenics increase the metabolism of the body's adipose tissue, generating heat. Common thermogenic substances are ephedra, bitter orange, capsicum, ginger and caffeine. The ECA Stack (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin) is the most well known thermogenic formulation, popular among bodybuilders as a means to achieve low body fat levels.VitaminsA vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by the human body. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body and must be obtained from the diet. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often. Vitamins are essential for normal growth and development. Once growth and development are completed, vitamins remain essential nutrients for the healthy maintenance of cells, tissues, and organs. They also enable the efficient use of energy provided by food and they help process the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats required for respiration.Because human bodies do not store most vitamins, humans must consume them regularly to avoid deficiency. Human bodily stores for different vitamins vary widely; vitamins A, D, and B12 are stored in significant amounts in the human body, mainly in the liver, and an adult human's diet may be deficient in vitamins A and B12 for many months before developing a deficiency condition. Vitamin B3 is not stored in the human body in significant amounts, so stores may only last a couple of weeks. Vitamins are classified as either water-soluble, meaning that they dissolve easily in water, or fat-soluble vitamins, which are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of fats. In humans there are 13 vitamins: 4 fat-soluble (A, D, E and K) and 9 water-soluble (8 B vitamins and vitamin C). WaterWater is a common chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of life. Water is necessary for all life on Earth. Humans can survive for several weeks without food, but for only a few days without water. A constant supply is needed to replenish the fluids lost through normal physiological activities, such as respiration, perspiration and urination. Water is essential for the growth and maintenance of our bodies, as it is involved in a number of biological processes.A person needs to drink approximately 2–3 Litres of water per day. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 Liters a day. Breathing, bowel movements, and sweating result in a loss of an additional liter. 20% of water intake comes from food consumption, so drinking 2 Liters of water, along with normal diet will suffice in replenishing fluids. These assumptions are limited by the condition of the subject, including personal health and physical exercise, but are also affected by temperature and humidity. However there is still an ongoing controversy about exactly how much water one needs to drink per day as there is no scientific study that verifies the assumption of drinking 2 liters a day. People in hotter climates will require greater water intake than those in cooler climates. WheyWhey or milk plasma is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. Whey protein (derived from whey) is often sold as a nutritional supplement. Such supplements are especially popular in the sport of bodybuilding. Whey supplements can help regulate and reduce spikes in blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin secretion. Whey can also be a migraine trigger.Whey protein shakes are consumed post-workout by individuals who are trying to gain muscle mass. Whey digests very rapidly and thus the amino acids get into the blood stream faster than other protein sources. Return From Diet Terms T-Z to Home Page |