Click to go to Zoe Foods Home Page
All Day Energy. Everyday Health.
 

Glossary of Terms

  
  Breast Cancer A malignant disease of breast tissue. Incidence increases with age and risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, late menopause, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Initial symptoms may include a small painless lump, thick or dimpled skin, or nipple retraction.
  Cancer Uncontrolled growth of anaplastic cells that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to distant body sites.
  Cholesterol A waxy lipid found almost exclusively in foods of animal origin. Widely distributed in the body, it facilitates the absorption and transport of fatty acids. High levels in the blood are associated with arteriosclerosis and gallstones.
  Dietary Fiber A non-digestible carbohydrate substance found in plants. Foods high in dietary fiber are fruits, green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, legumes, and whole grain cereals and breads.
  Endometrial Cancer The most prevalent gynecological malignancy, endometrial cancer effects the lining of the uterus. The risk factors include medical history of infertility, late menopause, uterine polyps, and abnormal bleeding especially in post- menopausal woman.
  Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) A polysaturated acid essential in the diet for proper growth, maintenance, and functioning of the body. EFAs are necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems and the breaking up of cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. The best dietary sources are natural vegetable oils such as safflower, soy and corn oils.
  Estradiol The most potent naturally occurring human estrogen. Produced by the maturing follicle, estradiol causes proliferation and thickening of the tissues and blood vessels of the endometrium. Used medically in the treatment of estrogen deficiency and certain menopausal conditions.
  Estrogen Any of several female sex hormones (estrone, estriol, and estradiol). During the menstrual cycle estrogen renders the female genital tract suitable for fertilization, implantation, and nutrition of the early embryo. Estrogen is critical because of its positive impact on bone density, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  Estrone A relatively potent estrogen produced by the ovarian follicles and found during pregnancy in urine and placental tissue.
  Estrogen Receptors Molecules in the body that hook up with estrogen; once attached the estrogen changes the receptor and triggers a reaction to activate a gene.
  Flaxseed Derived from flax, a tall annual with blue flowers, flaxseeds are available in two forms: as the whole seed or an oil pressed from the seed. While the seeds and oil have healthy attributes, many choose to use the whole seed because of its dietary fiber and lignan content.
  Functional Foods Foods that provide therapeutic benefits.
     
  Glucose A simple sugar found in certain foods, especially fruits, and a major source of energy present in human and animal body fluids. The determination of blood glucose is an important diagnostic test in diabetes and other disorders.
  Granola A nutritious breakfast cereal or snack of rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits.
  High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Known as the "good cholesterol, " HDL is a plasma protein made in the liver containing about 50% protein with cholesterol and triglycerides. It may serve to stabilize low-density lipoprotein and is involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids to the liver to be disposed.
  Hormone A chemical substance produced by the body that regulates the activities of an organ or a group of cells.
  Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) A prescribed hormone therapy used to control menopausal symptoms; benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Some research suggests that HRT may increase the likelihood of certain types of breast cancers in women with high-risk profiles. Women should consider their personal and family medical histories and discuss their options with their doctor before taking supplemental hormones.
  Hot Flash A hot flash occurs when there is a sudden change in hormonal levels in the blood. The brain senses that the body is becoming overheated and in response to the rising temperature the heart begins to beat faster, blood vessels dilate, and sweating is induced. Hot flashes are felt most intensely along the upper torso, face, and neck. Not all menopausal women experience hot flashes, for those who do, the frequency, duration, and intensity vary. Recommended courses of action to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes include limiting caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and large meals. In addition, smoking cessation, stress management, and exercise are vital factors. A daily serving of soy and flaxseed provides natural plant estrogens that aid in balancing fluctuating hormone levels and are a natural and safe method to managing menopausal symptoms.
  Isoflavones The type of phytoestrogen found in legumes such as soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas. There are four types of isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin.
  Lignans The type of phytoestrogen found in cereals, fruits, vegetables, and flaxseed. A weak form of estrogen, lignans act as an antiestrogen in the body by competing for estrogen receptor sites.
  Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Known as the "bad cholesterol," LDL is a plasma protein containing more cholesterol and triglycerides than protein.
  Menopause The cessation of the menstrual cycle. Menopause occurs naturally with the decline of hormonal production between the ages of 35 and 60. With the concurrent decrease of the pituitary hormones and the cessation of ovulation, the production of ovarian estrogen decreases to minimal levels. Changing or fluctuating levels of estrogen cause the symptoms of menopause. As a woman ages, her ovaries produce less estrogen. This varying amount of estrogen causes the body to react to the hormonal imbalance thus resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and mood swings.
  Night Sweats A symptom of a menopausal woman's fluctuating estrogen levels, night sweats occur when a warm sensation causes the body to perspire.
  Omega-3 Fatty Acids Also known as alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3s are a fatty acid found in fish and vegetable oils. Omega-3s have protective functions in preventing the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
  Omega-6 Also known as alpha-linoleic acid, omega-6 is polyunsaturated fatty acid found in safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, and other oils.
  Osteoporosis A disorder caused by the abnormal loss of bone density; bones become increasingly brittle, porous, and likely to fracture due to lack of calcium and other minerals. Occurs most frequently in postmenopausal women.
  Perimenopause The span of time preceding menopause when the menstrual cycle is irregular and menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, are often experienced.
  Phyotestrogens

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant estrogens. Phytoestrogens belong to the class of estrogens known as phenolic estrogens, which are different than steroid estrogens produced by human sex organs. While phytoestrogens are much weaker, 250 to 1,000 times, than the estrogens produced by the body their molecular structure is similar. The similarity in structure allows the phytoestrogens to replicate the action of human estrogens in the body by attaching themselves to estrogen receptors sites. The estrogenic-effect of phytoestrogens on the body can help minimize menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. The most common phytoestrogens are flavones, lignans, and isoflavones. Phytoestrogens also can be found in legumes, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

  Protein The major source of building materials for muscles, blood, skin, hair, and internal organs. It is necessary for the formation of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
  Saturated Fatty Acids Fats of animal origins including beef, lamb, pork, veal, whole-milk products, butter, and most cheeses. Diets high in saturated fats may contribute to a high serum cholesterol level and increased risk of coronary heart disease.
  Soybeans The soybean is full of protein and is a source rich in iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is low in fat and cholesterol-free. Studies show that soy can help keep your heart healthy, maintain bone strength, fight cancer, and ease menopausal symptoms.
  Stroke When an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain results in damaged brain tissues and vessels. This event is caused by a blood clot or a ruptured artery and paralysis, weakness, sensory change, speech defect and/or death may occur. Some of the risk factors include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
  Triglyceride A simple fat compound. Tryglycerides make up most animal and vegetable fats and are the principal lipids in the blood when they circulate. They bind to protein forming high and low-density lipoproteins.