Server: Microsoft-IIS/3.0 Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 16:40:23 GMT Content-Type: text/html Accept-Ranges: bytes Last-Modified: Wed, 26 Nov 1997 15:47:54 GMT Content-Length: 17077 Glossary of Nutritional Terms- Bally Total Fitness Nutritionals

Bally Total Fitness Nutritionals - Shape Your Body, Shape Your Life.

Glossary of Nutritional Terms

AbsorbaLean(TM):
A proprietary all natural fiber complex derived from plants which provides soluble and insoluble fiber. This unique blend has been shown to effectively help absorb dietary fat from the gastrointestinal tract and accelerate its elimination from the body.
Absorption:
The process by which substances are taken in through the cell membrane. For example, the way in which foods are absorbed through the cell walls in the intestinal tract. Another form of "absorption" occurs when optimal quantities of fiber are present in the intestinal tract. With AbsorbaLean(TM), for example, the dietary fats in the intestinal tract are absorbed right into the bulk/fiber, and are then promptly eliminated from the body.
Amino Acid:
These are the building blocks of protein. There are 8 essential amino acids which the body cannot synthesize itself and, therefore, must come from our diets. The term essential is misleading because studies conclude that all amino acids and amino acid like compounds are essential to human health - whether the body manufactured it, we have consumed it from the food or we have taken it in a supplement form. An example is L-Carnitine, added to baby formulas for the last decade because it is so critical to the health of the heart muscle.
Anti-oxidant:
The human body both produces and is constantly exposed to dangerous substances called free-radicals. Free radicals have been pinpointed as being one causative factor in premature aging. Anti-oxidants serve to destroy or neutralize these dangerous substances. Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well as selenium provide potent anti-oxidant activity. Researchers are finding that the newly discovered phytochemicals may provide even stronger anti-oxidant activity when supplied in proper amounts.
Assimilation:
The process by which the body correctly utilizes vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates which have been absorbed. One would expect to assimilate everything that one swallows, however, this is not the case. For example, the calcium present in milk is not necessarily fully assimilated due to several factors. Calcium in supplement form is likely to be easier for many individuals to assimilate.
Dietary Fat:
The fat contained in the foods we eat. Excessive dietary fat can quickly increase one's amount of body fat (adipose tissue). Studies show that eating fat makes fat, and also contributes to several health complaints including serious diseases. There is a role for dietary fat, however. We need to take in a very small amount of fat in order for the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K) to be utilized. Small amounts of dietary fat are also necessary for hormone production within the body. For example, when an individual decides to eat absolutely no fat whatsoever, problems arise. In women, often menstruation is disrupted, and in both sexes, thyroid, adrenal and other critical hormones are not able to be produced in sufficient quantities. This is certainly not to suggest eating more fat. People generally eat far too much. Cutting back on fats overall, and paying close attention to the kind of fat (olive oil on a salad is better than the fat in French fries), while specifically eliminating the most dangerous form of dietary fat (hydrogenated fat) is the best advice.
DV:
Daily Value is a new term that went into effect in 1994 indicating general nutritional requirements. Most of the values are fairly close to what they were previously (considered by many researchers to be exceedingly low). It replaces the U.S.R.D.A.
Encapsulated:
This refers to the two-piece, hard, gelatin capsule form supplements. Many individuals feel that this form of vitamin is easier to swallow and assimilate, as opposed to large, bulky tablets. Both the BTRIM(TM) and BLEAN(TM) products as well as the BFIT(TM) product are encapsulated.
Enzyme:
The human body both produces enzymes itself and relies upon countless enzymes from food. Without enzymes, the body could not sustain itself. Enzymes are made up of proteins and are very specific in function. Many enzymes are involved in digestion. Others are responsible for a wide range of vital functions within the body. Enzymes are extremely sensitive to heat. A diet rich in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables will help insure proper levels of enzymes. Papaya and pineapple are excellent enzyme sources.
Fat Metabolizers:
This term refers to a group of nutritive compounds which function to assist the body in more rapid breakdown of adipose tissue. These compounds also function to help the body to solely use food and adipose for fuel, as opposed to using (and causing the loss of) valuable lean muscle tissue.
Female Factors:
This term refers to a group of nutrients such as herbs, B vitamins and minerals which provide a stabilizing effect on a woman's system. For example, the herb Black Cohosh is used to assist a woman's hormonal balance. Additionally, Springtime Horsetail provides silica which may improve bone density.
I.U.:
International unit. Vitamins E, D, K and A are usually measured in international units, or I.U.'s. These nutrients are all fat soluble; I.U. is found to be a more accurate method of measurement for this classification of nutrients.
Male Factors:
This term refers to herbs, amino acids and phytonutrients which serve to support male function. For example, the herb known as Saw Palmetto has been found to help improve the prostate function.
Metabolic Rate:
The rate at which chemical changes occur within the body. For example, the rate at which we burn fat for fuel (energy).
Metabolism:
All of the chemical changes that occur within cells which are grouped together. For example, the most commonly discussed form of metabolism is the metabolism of food.
Mcg.:
Microgram. Elements such as selenium, B-12 and Folic Acid are usually measured in mcgs. One thousand micrograms equals one milligram.
Mg.:
Milligram. Vitamin C is usually measured in mgs., the same being true of calcium and magnesium. One thousand milligrams equal one gram.
Phytochemicals:
Also known as phytonutrients or food actives, this group of literally thousands of compounds are currently being discovered in plants, herbs, produce and grains. Most phytochemicals appear to have anti-oxidant action, some such as green tea polyphenols are found to be quite powerful. Phytochemicals can be found in berries, soybeans, lemon peel, grape skins and seeds, green peppers and in a host of other sources. Researchers from every major country are currently doing studies on this group of recently identified nutrients.
RDA:
Recommended Daily Allowance. A reference point for general daily nutrient requirements. (A growing number of researchers feel these figures are exceedingly low.)
Tocopherol:
The compounds present in the natural Vitamin E Complex as they occur in nature. For example, Vitamin E is actually made up of beta, gamma and delta tocopherols in addition to the alpha form (the most popular form). Since the alpha form was isolated, the other tocopherols have also been proven to have important activity, and they support the function of the alpha form-making Vitamin E as a whole work more efficiently in the body.




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