Cancer Fighting Foods
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Collagen: The main structural protein substance of white fibres of connective tissue, cartilage or bone.
Complex Carbohydrates: These, like wholegrains, are digested slowly and raise blood sugar level also slowly. Also called low glycemic index foods.
Cortisol: A steroid hormone (hydrocortisone) produced by the adrenal cortex (outer part of the gland). Its levels are highest in the morning on waking and lowest in the middle of the night. The level increases during stress and illness.
Detoxification: Removal of toxic excess of any agent from the body by various means especially by metabolic interference e.g. Naturo-Food Therapy.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid – carrier of genetic information. Genes are segments of DNA that code for the production of specific proteins.
Electrolyte: A chemical substance (an iodised salt like sodium, potassium, chlorine in the blood, tissue fluids and cells) with an available electron in its structure that enables it to transmit electrical impulses when dissolved in fluids.
Endocrine Gland: A gland that manufactures one or more hormones which are secreted directly into the blood stream. Includes the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, ovaries, testes and part of the pancreas.
Endocrine System: A group of ductless glands and tissues that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream to regulate the function of specific tissues or organs or of the entire body.
Endorphin: A brain-derived compound that helps in controlling response to pain (similar to morphine) and stress and improves mood.
Essential: Refers to substances required by the body which it cannot itself manufacture. Often refers to certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA): Unsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 that cannot be synthesised in the body and therefore must be supplied in the diet. These are absolutely necessary (essential) to maintain health.
Enzymes: Proteins that initiate biochemical reactions in the body. They remain intact in raw foods (fruits and vegetables) and help in the digestion process. They are easily destroyed by heat (cooking, pasteurisation). Enzyme names usually end in “ase” like lipase which breaks down fat. Enzymes are also present in the saliva which help pre-digest the food.
Expectorant: An agent promoting the coughing up and elimination of secretions like phlegm.
Fatty Acid: The building blocks of fats, oils, cholesterols and hormones.
