Functional Foods and Chronic Disease Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to functional foods and chronic diseases, aimed at assisting in exam preparation.

Capsinoid

A compound that, when given in capsule form, was found to slightly decrease body fat and increase resting energy expenditure by activating TRPV1 receptors.

Chronic Disease

Long-term progressive diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition where cells become insulin-resistant, leading to high blood glucose levels, often linked to poor diet, obesity, and inactivity.

Antioxidants

Natural or synthetic substances that protect the body from free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and cancer.

Bioactive Component

A chemical in food that affects biological processes and provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as polyphenols and carotenoids.

Biomarker

A measurable indicator of a biological condition, such as LDL cholesterol or fasting glucose.

Neutraceutical

A purified or concentrated form of a functional component from food, typically sold in a pill or capsule format.

FOSHU

Foods for Specific Health Uses, requiring review and approval by the Japanese government and clinical evidence.

FFC

Foods with functional claims, where companies submit scientific evidence, but do not require government evaluation.

Obesity

A condition that functional foods target in terms of appetite regulation, fat oxidation, inflammation, and gut microbiome.

Functional Foods

Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including categories like naturally functional, fortified, and enhanced foods.

Health Claim

Links food to reduced disease risk, which can be classified into authorized health claims, qualified health claims, and nutrient content claims.

Meta Analysis

A research method that combines results from multiple studies to arrive at a pooled conclusion.

Plant Sterols

Natural components in plants that can lower LDL cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

An omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose oil that has health benefits but is distinct from omega-3 fatty acids.

Adaptogens

Substances that are believed to help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.