L-CYSTEINE.A sulfur-containing amino acid pro-
duced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of proteins.
Supplements are used as antioxidant.LDL CHOLESTEROL.Low-density lipoprotein con-
taining a high proportion of cholesterol that is asso-
ciated with the development of arteriosclerosis.LEAVENING.Yeast or other agents used for rising
bread.
LECTINS.Protein substances found in foods that
bind with carbohydrates in blood causing it to clot.LEPTIN.A hormone produced by fat cells (adipose
tissue) that tells the brain that the body has eaten
calories and should stop eating.L-HISTIDINE.An essential amino acid important
for the growth and repair of tissues.LIGNAN.Compounds in plants that have antiox-
idant and estrogenic activities.
LIPASE.An enzyme produced from the pancreas
that breaks down fats.LIPID.Group of chemicals, usually fats, that do
not dissolve in water, but dissolve in ether.LIPID PEROXIDATION.This refers to the chemical
breakdown of fats.LIPODYSTROPHY.The medical term for redistribu-
tion of body fat in response to HAART, insulin injec-
tions in diabetics, or rare hereditary disorders.
LIPOPROTEIN.A combination of fat and protein
that transports lipids in the blood.LIPOTROPIC.Factors that promote the utilization
of fat by the body.LIQUID MEAL REPLACEMENTS (LMRS). A general
term for prepackaged liquid shakes or milk-like drinks
intended to substitute for one or more meals a day as
part of a weight-loss regimen or source of nutrition for
people who cannot eat solid foods.LONG LIFE COCKTAIL.A drink consisting of one
teaspoon of powdered psyllium husks or one table-
spoon of ground or milled flaxseed in 8 oz (237 ml)
cran-water.LOW BIRTH WEIGHT.A low birth weight infant is
one who is born after the the normal gestational
period (38-42 weeks) but weights less than 2.5 kgs
(5.5 pounds) at birth.LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL) CHOLESTEROL.A
type of cholesterol in the blood that is considered to bebad for the body. High levels of LDL is a risk factor
for heart disease.
LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER (LES).Ring of mus-
cle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve
between the esophagus and stomach.
LYCOPENE.A plant pigment that appears red in
natural light and is responsible for the red color of
tomatoes. Grapefruit is rich in lycopene, which is a
powerful antioxidant and is thought to retard skin
aging and may help to protect against chronic diseases
such as heart disease and cancer.
LYMPHOMA.Any of various usually malignant
tumors that arise in the lymph nodes or in other lym-
phoid tissue.M
MACADAMIA NUT.A hard-shelled nut resembling a
filbert, produced by an evergreen tree native to Aus-
tralia and cultivated extensively in Hawaii. The nut is
named for John Macadam, an Australian chemist.
MACRO MINERALS.Minerals that are needed by the
body in relatively large amounts. They include sodium,
potassium, chlorine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium.
MACRONUTRIENT:. A nutrient needed in large
quantities.
MACULAR DEGENERATION.A chronic disease of the
eyes caused by the deterioration of the central portion
of the retina, known as the macula, which is respon-
sible for focusing central vision in the eye.
MALABSORPTION.Poor absorption of nutrients by
the small intestine, difficulty in the digestion of
nutrients.
MALABSORPTION SYNDROME.A condition charac-
terized by indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appe-
tite, and weakness, caused by poor absorption of
nutrients from food as a result of giardiasis, other
bowel disorders, or certain surgical procedures invol-
ving the digestive tract.
MALIGNANT. Unfavorable, tending to produce
deterioration or death. For a tumor, it generally
means cancerous.
MALNOURISHED.Lack of adequate nutrients in the
diet.
MALNUTRITION. Poor nutrition because of an
insufficient or poorly balanced diet or faulty digestion
or utilization of foods.Glossary