Metabolic Resistance: Glossary.

Adipocytes
Specialized cells found in fat (adipose) tissue used by the body for energy storage.

Adipocytokines
Bioactive substances produces by the adipose tissue. Visceral fat, which is one of characteristics of metabolic syndrome, is associated with disturbance of adipocytokines.

Cholesterol
A steroid substance produced by the body or consumed with animal foods. Cholesterol acts as the precursor for all steroid hormones. It is also used for production of bile acid and vitamin D. Excessive cholesterol levels may cause buildup on the artery walls, interfering with the blood flow.

Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone converting carbohydrates stored by the body in the form of glycogen into glucose, which is the body’s preferable fuel.

HDL Cholesterol
HDL is an acronym for High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, which is a chemical in the blood that transports extra cholesterol from the blood to the liver to be destroyed and removed.

Insulin
A hormone that controls blood sugar levels and helps the body use glucose for energy.
Ketogenic Diet

A diet limiting carbohydrate intake to the point when the state of ketosis occurs. A ketogenic diet should also control protein intake and insure a very high intake of fats.

Ketosis
Ketosis is a biochemical condition that occurs when the body produces ketones (or ketone bodies) from the fat coming both from food and from body’s fat depots. Ketone bodies provide energy for the body’s needs when there’s little or no carbohydrates coming with food.

LDL Cholesterol
LDL is an acronym for Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, which is a chemical in the blood that carries cholesterol to places where it is needed for cell structure and functions. Excess of LDL, however, results in cholesterol deposits on artery walls.

Lipids, Fats, Triglycerides, Fatty Acids
Lipids are made of molecules of glycerol and three fatty acids. Since there are three fatty acids involved, they are known as triglycerides. On the other hand, lipids are combinations of saturated (unhealthy) and unsaturated (healthy) fatty acids.

Lipolysis
The breakdown of triglycerides stored in fat cells (adipocytes) into free fatty acids. In the absence or deficit of carbohydrate-rich foods, lipolysis initiates the process of ketosis.

Macronutrients
The nutrients in foods needed by the body in large quantities. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Metabolism
The sum of all physical and chemical processes in the body resulting in breakdown of substances (catabolism) with energy being released, or in synthesis of new substances (anabolism) requiring energy consumption. Normal metabolism keeps important physiological parameters at balance.

Syndrome
A set of symptoms that when occur together form a distinct clinical diagnosis.

Triglycerides
A form of fat coming from food or produced by the body and consisting of three molecules of fatty acids and one molecule of glycerol. High triglyceride levels cause atherosclerosis and pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas and problems with digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.