A glossary of health terminology: A

In your quest to start becoming healthier by eating better, you may come across words you don't recognize. Here are a few — starting with the letter 'A' — and the definition for each to help you.

Adipocyte:

A fat cell.

Aflatoxin:

A toxin produced by mould that grow mainly on peanuts, cottonseed and corn.

Ajones:

Phytochemicals, found in garlic, that reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and possess anti-clotting, anti-cancer and anti-fungal activity, according to some studies.

Albumin:

A protein found in most animal and many plant tissues that coagulates on heating.

Allicin:

A chemical that forms when garlic is crushed or cut and helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Responsible for garlic's pungent smell, allicin produces numerous sulfur compounds, possibly with antibacterial properties.

Allyl sulfides:

Sulfur compounds, found in garlic, onions, leeks, scallions and other members of the onion family, that help lower the risk of heart disease, stimulate the immune system and are under review for their potential to fight cancer.

Alpha-carotene:

Like beta carotene, alpha-carotene is an antioxidant carotenoid and a precursor to vitamin A. It is found in apricots, carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Alpha-linolenic acid:

An essential fatty acid linked to a wide range of health benefits. It cannot be made in the body and must therefore be obtained from foods. ALA is important for the maintenance of cell membranes and for creating substances in the body that protect against inflammatory conditions. ALA converts in the human body into two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and is found in canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Smaller amounts are also found in dark green leafy vegetables.

Amino acids: 

The building blocks of protein. Twenty amino acids are necessary for proper human growth and function. Nine amino acids are termed essential, because they must be provided in the diet. The body produces the remaining 11 as they are needed.

Anthocyanins:

Responsible for the red and blue pigments found in certain fruits and vegetables, anthocyanins are flavonoids with the potential to suppress tumour cell growth, to lower LDL cholesterol levels and to prevent blood from forming clots. They are found in apples, berries, cherries, cranberries, black currants, red and purple grapes, plums and pomegranates.

Antigen:

A foreign substance that stimulates the body to defend itself with an immune response.

Arteriosclerosis:

The stiffening and hardening of the arterial walls.