Glossary

Albumin: a globular protein found in milk and eggs; often used in cosmetics as a coagulating agent and in baked goods.

Antioxidants: molecules that prevent other molecules from oxidizing. Protect cells from free radical damage and may also help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.

Atherosclerosis: a condition characterized by the thickening of artery walls as a result of the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty materials.

Blender: commonly referred to as a liquidizer in the United Kingdom; an electrical appliance used to puree or emulsify foods.

Casein: a type of protein found in milk; often used as an additive in cheeses, non-dairy creamers, and cosmetics.

Dehydrator: an appliance that uses heat and airflow to remove moisture from food.

Detoxification: the removal of a harmful substance, such as a poison or toxin, or the effect of such.

Dietary Vegan: an individual who follows a vegan lifestyle in order to live a healthy life.

Environmental Vegan: an individual who follows a vegan lifestyle out of concern for sustainability and other environmental issues.

Ethical Vegan: an individual who follows a vegan lifestyle for ethical reasons based on the idea that all sentient beings have the right to live lives free from suffering at the hands of humans.

Food Processor: a kitchen appliance that can be used to peel, chop, or puree foods.

Gelatin: a colorless, flavorless substance derived from animal byproducts, often used as a thickener in candies and puddings. Produced by boiling in water the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones of slaughtered livestock.

Ghee: a type of clarified butter commonly used in South Asian cuisine.

Juicer: a kitchen appliance that extracts the juice from fresh fruits and vegetables by various means. Three types: centrifugal, mastication and triturating.

Lactose: a type of sugar derived from the glucose and galactose in milk.

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients: compounds that naturally occur in plants and have biological significance (i.e., antioxidants).

Seitan: a meat substitute made from wheat; an excellent source of vegetarian protein.

Tempeh: a meat substitute made from fermented soy beans and rice; a good source of vegetarian protein and dietary fiber.

Tofu: also called bean curd; made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curd into blocks.

Vegan: an individual who practices veganism; may also apply to foods that meet the standards of a vegan diet.

Vegan Society: a society founded in 1944 in England to promote awareness of the vegan lifestyle and to provide support for those who follow it.

Veganism: the practice of abstaining from the use and consumption of animal products.

Vegetarian: an individual who abstains from the consumption of meat and seafood; some vegetarians still consume eggs, milk, and other dairy products.