immunomodulator: A substance that can either enhance or suppress various components of the immune response.

in vitro research: Research conducted in a laboratory setting using only biomolecules, cells, tissues or organs.

in vivo research: Research conducted on the whole, living organism.

insulin resistance: Reduced sensitivity to insulin by insulin-dependent processes that results in a lowered activity of these processes and/or an increase in insulin production.

ischemia: A restriction in blood supply usually resulting in damage, dysfunction or death of tissue. Heart attack and ischemic stroke are examples of ischemic damage to heart muscle and brain tissue respectively.

LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol"): A lipoprotein that consists of a moderate amount of protein with little triglyceride but a high proportion of cholesterol, high levels of which are associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

lipid peroxidation: The oxidation of lipids whereby free radicals cause cell damage by "stealing" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes.

lipoproteins: A class of compounds (that include HDL and LDL) composed of proteins and lipids.

macronutrient: An essential nutritional substance such as carbohydrate, fat or protein that is required in relatively large quantities.

metabolic rate: Metabolism per unit time that is calculated by using food and oxygen consumption and the amount of energy produced as heat.

metabolism: The chemical changes and vital processes by which energy is produced and different substances are handled in the body.

metastasis: The spread of a disease (especially cancer) from the primary site to another part of the body.

micronutrient: An element (trace element - e.g. iron) or compound (e.g. a vitamin) that is essential to health in minute quantities.

mitochondria: The organelles in cells responsible for converting organic molecules into energy.

mutagenic: Capable of inducing genetic mutation.

mutation: A change in chromosomal structure that results in biochemical and other changes.

oncogene: A gene that has the potential to cause a healthy cell to become cancerous. Inherited oncogenes predispose some individuals to certain types of cancer.

oxidation: The addition of oxygen or the removal of electrons from a compound.

oxidative stress: A form of stress on the body caused by the cumulative damage done by free radicals unopposed by antioxidants.

oxidizing agent (oxidant): A substance that oxidizes (by accepting electrons) an element or chemical compound.

periodontal: The tissues surrounding a tooth.

phytochemical: Any plant-derived chemical, but generally refers to those that are known to affect biological systems.

polyphenols: A group of antioxidant phytochemicals containing more than one phenol molecule that are responsible for the coloration of some plants.

prostaglandins: Fatty acids that perform a variety of hormone-like functions, such as blood pressure control, but when produced in excess are associated with abnormal inflammatory processes and other pathological conditions.

saturated fats (saturated fatty acids): Fats consisting of triglycerides containing only molecules that have no double bonds between the carbon atoms. Most animal-derived fats (including butter) are saturated as are some plant fats including cocoa butter, coconut oil and palm oil.

synergism (synergy): Interaction of different agents so that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects.

telomere: A region of highly repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome that functions as a disposable buffer to prevent the loss of important genetic information. The loss of telomeres from DNA is thought to be linked to aging.

thermogenesis: The process of heat production caused primarily by the metabolism of fatty acids and is related to the metabolic rate. The higher the metabolic rate the more free fatty acids are broken down to produce heat.

triglyceride: A group of lipids that are widespread in adipose tissues and circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins.

tumorigenic: Capable of producing tumors (cf. carcinogenic).

unsaturated fats (unsaturated fatty acids): Fats having one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms. Most plant and fish oils contain unsaturated fatty acids. They are monounsaturated if each contains one double bond (e.g. olive oil) or polyunsaturated if they contain more than one double bond (e.g. canola oil, sunflower oil).