Adrenals A pair of glands found on top of the kidneys that produce hormones involved in regulating fluid balance, metabolism and the body’s response to stress.
Alzheimer’s The most common type of dementia, a brain disease that leads to progressive memory loss along with mood and personality changes.
Amino acids Tiny molecules that are the building blocks of proteins. We obtain them from protein-rich foods and then use them for growth and repair and to make enzymes, hormones and antibodies.
Antioxidant Substances found in food (for example, vitamin C) or made by the body that help protect cells from free radical damage.
Autophagy A process that enables your cells to identify and break down damaged components – like spring cleaning for the body.
Beta-oxidation The process of breaking down fatty acids (molecules of fat) to release energy.
Bile An alkaline fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which is then released into the intestine to aid the absorption of fats.
Carbohydrates (carbs)) Nutrients made from chains of individual sugar molecules. Usually referred to as either simple or complex. Complex carbohydrates are long chains that tend to be more slowly absorbed.
Catecholamines Neurotransmitter molecules that help the body respond to stress.
Cholesterol A substance with many roles, including the synthesis of cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D. High levels of the oxidized form of the cholesterol transport protein LDL are associated with blood vessel damage.
Cortisol A hormone released by the adrenals in response to stress. It stimulates the release of sugars into the bloodstream.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) A protein made by the liver that is found in high levels when the body is experiencing inflammation.
Cytokines Proteins involved in the regulation of immunity and inflammation.
DNA The “instructions” found in every cell that determine our individual characteristics. The cells use these instructions to make new proteins.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) These fatty acids, such as omega-3, can’t be synthesized inside the body, so must be obtained from the diet.
Estradiol A natural form of oestrogen secreted by the ovaries. It has a number of roles in female fertility, including triggering ovulation.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) A hormone produced in the brain that stimulates the ovary to mature an egg.
Free radicals An unstable molecule, produced either through normal biological processes (including breathing) or from toxins such as smoke. Unless neutralized by an antioxidant, it can damage the cells.
Ghrelin A hormone secreted by the stomach that stimulates the appetite.
Glucagon A hormone produced by the pancreas that promotes the breakdown and release of sugar into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are low.
Glycogen The storage form of the sugar, glucose.
Glucose An individual sugar molecule. It is the preferred source of energy for the brain and red blood cells. Blood glucose levels are maintained within a narrow range.
Growth hormone (GH) A hormone produced in the brain that regulates growth.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Often referred to as “good” cholesterol, this is a transport protein that helps transport excess cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
Hormone A substance made in one part of the body that triggers a reaction in another part of the body.
Hypothalamus An area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst and fatigue.
IL-6 A protein involved in the regulation of the immune system and inflammation.
Insulin A hormone produced by the pancreas that promotes the storage of sugar, protein and fat when blood sugar levels are raised.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) A hormone similar to insulin that plays a role in growth.
Ketone bodies Substances synthesized from fats when carbohydrate intake is low. They can be used as an alternative form of fuel by the cells, including the brain.
Laron Syndrome A hereditary condition that prevents the body from growing normally. It is associated with low levels of IGF-1.
Leptin A hormone produced from the fat cells, which reduces appetite.
Lipase Enzymes involved in the breakdown of fats.
Lipolysis A process through which the body breaks down fats.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) A hormone produced in the brain that stimulates ovulation.
Mitochondria The cells’ energy-producing powerhouses.
Oestrogen Any of a group of hormones that have a number of roles in the female body, including involvement in sexual development, ovulation and pregnancy.
Parkinson’s A degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects movement patterns and can progress to affect cognitive function.
Progesterone A hormone secreted by the ovary that thickens the womb lining.
Serotonin A “feelgood” neurotransmitter found primarily in the brain.
Stroke The obstruction of a blood vessel in the brain.
Thermogenesis The production of heat within the body.
TNFa A protein involved in the body’s response to inflammation.
Triglycerides Fats made up of groups of three fatty acids.