Health and Diet Online Glossary
Adequate Intake: As much caloric or nutritional intake as is necessary for a person's activity and lifestyle. This is gauged through a number of health metrics including, growth rate and circulating nutrient values.
ADP (Adenosine DiPhosphate): A major step in the cell energy processes. With the addition of another phosphate group, it is converted into ATP where energy is stored until released during cell metabolism where it again becomes ADP until another phosphate group is added.
Aerobic Exercise: Directly translated as "with oxygen". Especially in terms of activity which involves extended periods of intense heart and lung function. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, biking, swimming, walking, etc. As a general rule these activities need to be executed for a minimum of 20 minutes to be considered aerobic.
Akavar: A diet and weight loss pill developed from the caloric restrictor family of diet supplements. Akavar was developed by Dynanor Pharmacal and originally released in the European market.
Allergen: Any substance that your body recognizes as physiologically foreign and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy: An abnormal reaction of the body's immune system to previously encountered substances. Allergic reactions can include, itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.
Anaerobic Exercise: Directly translates as "without oxygen". This indicates activities which require intense skeletal muscle workouts, but does not increase heart and lung activity for an extended periods of time. Examples of anaerobic exercise include, weight lifting, sprinting and wrestling.
Antioxidant: A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidization. In terms of diets and health this refers to substances thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. An example of these substances would be vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene.
Appetite suppressant: A drug or nutraceutical which suppresses appetite. Also known as Anorectics, anorexigenics—substances which reduce the desire to eat.
Appetite Suppressant: A family of foods or substances which causes hormones in the body to register a person's gastrointestinal nerves as "full". Appetite suppressants help to relieve cravings or feelings of hunger which can lead to overeating and obesity.
Artificial Sweetener: Substances that provide sweetness stimulation to foods but supply little or no energy to the body. Artificial sweeteners have recently come under scrutiny as a catalyst for triggering abnormal blood sugar levels in the body. Popular artificial sweeteners include acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin and sucralose.
ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate): The main source of energy for physiological reactions especially muscle contractions. ATP releases energy when it is broken down into ADP by hydrolysis during cell metabolism.