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There are 24 entries in this glossary.
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Term Definition
Accelerometers

Are movement monitors that have the ability to capture intensity and duration of physical activity. They are typically attached to a person waist. Accelerometers are considered to be one of the current standards in assessing free living physical activity levels and are often used to validate the much simpler, less expensive pedometer and physical activity questionnaires.

 

Added Refined Starch

The starch constituent (see - Carbohydrates) of a grain, such as corn, or of a vegetable, such as potato, used as an ingredient in another food. Starches have been refined to remove other components of the food, such as fiber, protein, and minerals. Refined starches can be added to foods as a thickener, a stabilizer, a bulking agent, or an anti-caking agent. While refined starches are made from grains or vegetables, they contain little or none of the many other components of these foods that together create a nutrient-dense food. They are a source of calories but few or no other nutrients.

 

Added Sugars

These sugars, syrups, and other caloric sweeteners are added when foods are processed or prepared. Added sugars do not include sugars that occur naturally, like fructose in fruit or lactose in milk. Names for added sugars include brown sugar, cane sugar, corn sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose (when not naturally occurring), fruit juice concentrates, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose (when not in milk or dairy products), maltose, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, and turbinado sugar.

 

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

ATP is a molecule that serves as the universal energy source for all plants and animals. In your body, ATP breaks down into adenosine diphosphate plus a separate phosphate group. This releases energy, which is used to power your body's cells. During periods of inactivity, the reverse reaction takes place, and the phosphate group is reattached to the molecule using energy obtained from food. In this way, the ATP molecule is continuously being recycled by your body.

 

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue in the body.

 

Aerobic Physical Activity

Aerobic (or endurance) physical activities use large muscle groups (back, chest, and legs) to increase heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Examples include bicycling, brisk walking, running, and swimming. Federal guidelines recommend that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of aerobic activity a week [see physical activity].

 

Agar

Clear, colorless form of seaweed used as a thickener in recipes. Vegan substitute for gelatin.

 

Agave Nectar

This low-glycemic natural sweetener comes from the Mexican "agave" plant. For cooking, substitute 2/3 cup of agave nectar for 1 cup sugar. (Reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1 ounce per 2/3 cup agave nectar; decrease oven temperature by 25 degrees; and increase cooking time by 6 percent.) At grocery stores, you'll find agave nectar in three forms: Amber, which has a dark color and rich maple flavor; light, which is translucent, with a mild and neutral taste; and raw, which is also clear and mild but processed at a lower temperature so it contains more enzymes.

 

Agility

Is the ability to change the body's position efficiently, and requires the integration of isolated movement skills using a combination of balance, coordination, speed, reflexes, strength, and endurance.

 

Albumen

A protein from egg white, sometimes used to clarify wines.

Aleuritic Acid

Derivative of shellac.

Almond Milk

Milky liquid obtained from almonds, used as an alternative to dairy milks. Usually sold in long-life cartons, from health food stores or large supermarkets.

Alphalipoic Acid (Ala)

A vitaminlike compound that acts like a powerful antioxidant, ALA is produced in the body in small amounts. It benefits people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and helping insulin in the blood get sugar into cells. ALA is present in many foods, including liver, spinach, and broccoli, but nutritional supplements contain much higher amounts.

 

Amino Acids

Are the chemical units or building blocks, that make up proteins. Proteins serve major functions in cells, ranging from the make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Proteins are also essential for the growth, repair and healing of bones, tissues and cells. Amino acids are available in supplement form, such as tablets or powder and are commonly used to enhance recovery post-exercise.

Anaerobic Exercise

Short lasting (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes), high/vigorous-intensity activity used to promote strength, speed/power and build muscle mass. The term anaerobic means "without oxygen." Examples of anaerobic exercise include; short sprints, lifting weights and agility exercises.