This is a basic dictionary and does not cover all the intricacies.
It is not meant to be definitive but just to get you going in the right direction.
Anthocyanins: work as antioxidants to help fight free radical damage in the body
Antioxidants: protect against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other degenerative diseases, may slow aging process and prevents the spoilage of oils and processes foods
Bioflavonoids: believed to function as an antioxidant that inhibits cancer-promoting hormones. Enhances effects of vitamin C. Sources-most fresh fruits and vegetables
Ellagic acid: a phenolic compound known as a potent anticarcinogen, anti-viral and anti-bacterial
Fiber: helps prevent constipation, relieves symptoms of diverticulosis and hemorrhoids, may reduce the risk of colon cancer
Minerals: build strong bones and teeth, works with vitamins and enzymes to carry out metabolic processes, maintain the proper balance of body fluids and chemicals, promotes the proper function of most body systems
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macrominerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous
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microminerals: chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, sulfur, zinc
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electrolytes: chloride, potassium, sodium
Vitamins: cure or prevent deficiency diseases such as scurvy and rickets, essential for energy conservation and many other metabolic processes
Fat-soluble:
- Vitamin A: retinols and beta carotene: prevents night blindness, need for growth and cell development, maintains skin, hair and mails, gums, glands, bones, and teeth
- Vitamin D: necessary for calcium absorption, helps build and maintain strong bones and teethVitamin E: protects fatty acids, maintains muscles and red blood cells, important antioxidantVitamin K: essential for proper blood clotting
Water-soluble:
- Biotin: energy metabolism
- Folate: needed to make DNA, RNA, and red blood cells and to synthesize certain amino acids
- Niacin: needed to metabolize energy, promotes normal growth
- Pantothenic acid: aids in energy metabolism, normalizing blood sugar levels, and synthesizing antibodies, cholesterol, hemoglobin and some hormones
- Riboflavin: essential for energy metabolism, aids adrenal function
- Thiamine: energy metabolism, helps maintain normal digestion, appetite, and proper nerve function
- Vitamin B6: promotes protein metabolism, metabolism of carbohydrates and releases of energy; proper nerve function; synthesizes of red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12: needed to make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and myelin (for nerve fibers)
- Vitamin C: strengthens blood vessel walls, promotes wound healing promotes iron absorption, helps control blood cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis
To find out more about nutrients stop by your local library, pick up this book: Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal by Reader's Digest or stop by this a great online resource: Villa Park Pharmacy. |
