Library

Here in the Metabolic Magic Library, you can look up the definitions of many of the special terms used in case studies or supplementary material. If you want to see more entries at once, use the control on the upper left of the Glossary. Or, search for all instances of any word in the search box. Results will show up for either words or their definitions. Hope you find what you’re looking for!

Glossary

Word	Definition
Acid Reflux	Also known as heartburn, it is the burning pain that is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus and eating away at the stomach lining.
Addiction	The inability to stop doing something over and over again. A well-known addiction is smoking.
Additive	Any substance added to food, usually to preserve it longer or enhance the look or flavor.
Adenopathy	When the lymph glands (lymph nodes) are swollen or develop a disease.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)	A compound present in all living tissues in the human body. It is a source of energy for use and storage.
Adipocytes	Stores fats within the cells locaed in the adipose tissue.
Adipose Tissue	This is the area below the skin tht stores fat cells. It protects and holds the body's shape together.
Adventitia	The outer layer of tissue tht surrounds the organs and blood vessels.
Adrenal Gland	A gland that is a part of he endocrine system and is located on top of the kidney. It releases steroid hormones and epinephrine.
Adrenaline	A hormone that is released during times of stress. It increases blood circulation, breathing and preparing muscles for movement.
Aerobic Exercise	An exercise that increases a person's ability to use oxygen from blood, fats and glucose to move the muscles. This kind of exercise is beneficial to the heart and its circulation.
Alkaloids	Compounds that contain nitrogen. They can be known as very harmful, such as nicotine and cocaine or very helpful, such as morphine.
Allergen	Something that creates an allergy. For example, pollen is an allergen for many people because it causes them to have allergic reactions to it.
Alveolus	The sac within the lungs that the switch of carbon dioxide and oxygen occurs.
Amino Acids	The building blocks of protein. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into smaller units called amino acids. From these units, your body can create whichever new proteins it needs for functions such as repairing cells or regulating body functions.
Amputation	The loss or removal of a body part through a surgery or traumatic event.
Anaphylaxis	This is an allergic response created by an allergy to food, insect stings, medication or latex. The allergy can cause swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure and in some cases, shock. It can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Anemia	A condition in which a person does not have a healthy amount of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.
Aneurysm	In a blood vessel, this is a pouch-like formation that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Most of these pouches are within the arteries connected to the brain or in the aorta, the main blood vessel of the heart.
Angina	When a limited amount of blood flow around the blood vessels to the heart occurs and the heart does not receive enough oxygen.
Angiopathy	Any disease or condition that involves the lymph or blood vessels.
Angioplasty	The surgery in which a blood vessel is repaired through restoring part of it or using a catheter to unclog it.
Anorexia nervosa	One eating disorder that involves a person intentionally limiting the amount of food he/she eats.
Anthocyanin	A blue, violet or red pigment found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Antibiotics	Materials that destroy harmful organisms. They are used in medicine to stop the spread of disease or infection.
Antibodies	Within the immune system, these are proteins that help fight off the bad stuff like bacteria and viruses.
Antigen	Promotes the creation of antibodies inside the body.
Antioxidants	Help to destroy other chemicals through oxidation (removal of electrons in a cell). This destruction may be used against harmful cells in your body or against good cells in your body. There are many helpful antioxidants that attack infections.
Anxiety	The worry or fear of usually an unknown or unconscious event.
Aorta	The main artery that takes blood from the left section of the heart to arteries in the limbs and organs, excluding the lungs.
Appetite	The feeling of hunger.
Arrhythmia	Occurs when the heart muscle does not contract, or pump, properly.
Arterioles	Some of the smaller artery branches that attach to the capillary.
Arteriosclerosis	A condition in which arteries harden and the circulation of blood is weakened.
Artery	Blood vessels that take blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
Autoimmune Disease	Occurs when the body creates agents that destroy its own components.
Autoimmunity	When the body uses its own agents to resist a problem occurring in one of its cells, molecules or tissues.
Aztec	Indigenous people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century.
B-complex vitamins	A family of vitamins that help the body make energy from food.
Bacteria	A one-celled organism that can be good or bad for the environment and body. Some bacteria can cause illnesses like pneumonia and more.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)	When a person is at a complete stop of all activities that involve any sort of muscle, this is the measure of a person's metabolism at a relaxed state.
Basal Metabolism	The smallest quantity of energy needed to keep the body running.
Beta-Carotene	A reddish-orange pigment that's found in vegetables, such as; carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. It is converted to Vitamin A in the body..
Beta Cells	Help build and discharge the hormone insulin. Beta cells are located in the pancreas.
Binge Eating Disorder	An eating disorder that occurs when a person does any number of the following; overeats, eats at a rapid rate, eats when not hungry and eats on his or her own because he or she feels ashamed for eating.
Blood	A liquid that contains plasma, blood cells and platelets that moves throughout the body transporting nutrients, oxygen and other materials.
Blood cholesterol	The cholesterol, or fat-like substance in your blood comes in two forms: HDL, the “good cholesterol” or LDL, the “bad cholesterol”. High overall blood cholesterol can lead to diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Blood Glucose	The sugar, or glucose in your bloodstream. Too much blood sugar can lead to diabetes.
Blood Pressure	The strength at which blood pushes along the walls of the blood vessels.
Body Image	How a person feels about his or her personal outer appearance.
Body Mass Index (BMI)	The measurement of the relationship between fat and muscle mass within an individual's body. The measurement is used to define overweight and obesity in a person
Bones	A thick mass of organic and inorganic materials that forms a tissue that is the main component of the skeletal system.
Bulimia Nervosa	Is one eating disorder in which a person binge eats repeatedly and then proceeds to throw up the food, take medications or laxatives excessively, obsessively exercises or starves him or herself in order to stop weight gain.
Caffeine	A popular stimulant found naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate. Caffeine is also added to energy drinks and soda. Consuming caffeine helps to increase alertness, but can also raise the risk of anxiety, difficulty sleeping and other problems.
Cajun	An ethnic group mainly living in the state of Louisana.
Calcium	A chemical element that is a significant part of a good diet because it is needed for strong bone and teeth development.
Capillaries	These are the tiniest of blood vessels that connect to the tissues and also link the arteries and veins together
Carbohydrates (Carbs)	A macronutrient needed in the largest amount for the production of energy in the body. Carbs are broken down into simple sugars before the body can absorb them. Foods with carbs include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, sugar, soda, white bread, and pasta.
Cardiovascular diseases	Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, caused by plaque building up in the arteries and limiting blood flow. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other issues related to the heart and blood vessels.
Carotenoids	Carotenoids are a substance found in food from plants that your body can make into Vitamin A. Usually found in foods that are red or orange like carrots, tomatoes, or yams.
Cell	The tiniest organism within the body that can run on its own. It absorbs nutrients, changes nutrients into energy, performs specific duties and multiplies when needed. Each cell has a specific role tht keeps the body functioning.
Cholesterol	A substance in body tissues and foods that can develop into plaque in the arteries and veins and can cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Circadian rhythm	A repeating 24 hour internal body clock that "sets" itself according to light and darkness. The circadian rhythm regulates your sleep-wake cycles, hormone releases, body temperature, hunger and many other bodily functions.
Co-enzymes	Molecules (found in micronutrients) that partner with enzymes to help them do their job.
Complementary Foods (proteins)	Combining two or more foods with incomplete proteins to get all nine essential amino acids (the amino acids your body cannot make itself) will provide you with a complete protein. Examples include pasta and cheese, beans and rice, or milk and cereal.
Complete Protein	A complete protein has nine essential amino acids in equal amounts.
Community garden	Gardens that are designed, built and maintained by members of the community. Members share that work and the harvest. These gardens are usually in urban areas.
Copper	A compound that helps form red blood cells, gives pigment to our skin and is also beneficial to the bones.
Coronary heart disease	A type of cardiovascular disease where the blood vessels in your heart are blocked, keeping the blood that carries oxygen and nutrients all over your body from flowing.
Cosmopolitan	An area/region that has a wide international sophistication.
Creole	A person of mixed European and black descent, especially in the Carribean. Creole's speak a language developed from a mixture of multiple languages.
Cuisine	A style of cooking characteristics of a particular country or region.
Culinary	The art of preparing and cooking foods.
Cultural asimilation	The process when a person or group's language and/or cuture come together.
Culture	The customs of cooking of a particular country or region.
Deficiency disease	Diseases caused by a lack of vitamins or minerals in the diet such as scurvy or beriberi.
Depression	A mood disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Type I Diabetes	A disease that occurs when there is too much sugar or glucose in your blood because your body is not able to use the glucose properly. Diabetes can lead to other more serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, some cancers, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Type II Diabetes	This diabetes occurs when insulin is either not used properly by cells or cells are unable to react to its effects. This type of diabetes is more problematic than type I, yet it is easier to manage because insulin is still being produced.
Digestion	A process within your body where food is broken down into nutrients to use as energy and to maintain bodily functions.
Dim Sum	A Chinese dish of small steamed or fried dumplings with various fillings.
Dopamine	An important neurotransmitter that is involved in making you motivated, helping you focus and enabling you to persevere to achieve a goal. Dopamine also helps activate feelings of pleasure, aids fine motor control and has many other functions.
Ecosystem	Biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Electrolytes	Are essential minerals found in your blood, sweat and urine. They're required for various bodily processes, including nerve and muscle functions maintaining acid-base balance and keeping you hydrated.
Emigrate	When a person leaves his/her own country to live in another country.
Empty calories	Foods and beverages that are that are primarily made up of sugar, fats, oils or alcoholic beverages. Empty calories have little to no nutrients.
Endorphins	Hormones that your body produces to ease pain and make you feel calm and happy.
Energy Dense Foods	Foods that provide fewer calories per gram of food. This means that you can have healthy portions of these foods with a relatively low calorie content.
Enzymes	Substances that manage or bring about bodily processes such as making new cells or using energy from food.
Epi-pen	A hypodermic device that administers a dose of epinephrine. It is used for the emergency threatment of an acute allergic reaction.
Essential amino acids	Amino acids (the building blocks of protein), that cannot be made by the body itself, and can only be obtained from food. There are nine essential amino acids.
Essential Fatty Acids	Also known as Omega-3 and Omega-6, these are the fatty acids, as they are properly named that are necessary in the diet to sustain life. They help create cell membranes and many hormones. Contained in vegetable oils, fish, walnuts, corn and soybeans.
Essential nutrients	A nutrient that your body cannot make itself, therefore, it can only be obtained through food.
Essential vitamins	Vitamins that your body cannot make itself, therefore they need to be obtained from food sources. For example, vitamins A, E, C, and B-complex.
Ethnic cuisine	Cuisine that is a specific set of cooking traditions and practices.
Farmer's Market	Market at which local farmers sell their agricultural products directly to consumers.
Fat	A macronutrient needed by the body to produce energy, cushion and insulate your organs, and help maintain cell structures.
Fat-soluble vitamins	Dissolve in fat and can be store inside the fat in your body. Includes vitamin A, D, E and K.
Fatty acids	The building blocks of fat, made up of a chain of elements including carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Once fat is broken down through digestions into these smaller units of fatty acids, they can be absorbed and used by the body.
Fiber	Fiber is found in all plants you eat. It keeps your bowel movements regular and provides many health benefits such as stabilizing blood sugar, reducing cholesterol and helping rid your body of toxins.
Fluids	In nutrition, fluids usually refer to water, whether the kind you drink or the fluid inside your body.
Food Allergy	The immune system is involved when a food allergy occurs. The body's reaction can be mild to severe even if a small amount of the food is ingested.
Food desert	Areas where there is little or non-existent access to affordable, healthy food options that are easy to access. Accessibility may be limited due to not having a car, limited public transportation or requiring extensive public transportation due to distance.
Food Intolerance	This occurs when the digestive system has difficulty digesting certain foods. The body's reaction is milder than a food allergy reaction.
Food Justice	Food justice is a holistic and structural view of the food system that sees healthy food as a human right and addresses structural barriers to that right. Structual barriers include systemic racism and economic inequality.
Food Literacy	Understanding the impact of your food choices on your health, the environment and economy.
Food Security	A situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets dietary needs and food perferences for an active and healthy life. Food security is often broken down into three components: availibility (in an area), access (by a household) and consumption (by individuals).
Fortified	When nutrients that do not naturally occur in food are added to it, usually to provide additional vitamins or minerals.
Free radical	Oxygen in the body splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons. Electrons like to be in pairs, so these atoms scavenge the body to seek out other electrons so they can become a pair. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.
Fructose	A sugar that is highly sweetened and is found in honey and a variety of fruits.
Ghrelin	A hormone released by the endocrine system that makes you feel hungry.
Guacamole	A dish of mashed avocados mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, chili peppers and seasonings.
Gumbo	A spicy stew made with crayfish, okra and meat or sausage.
Gut	The gastrointestinal system/a group of organs that include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas,lover gall bladder, small intestine, colon and rectum.
HDL cholesterol	High-density lipoproteins (HDL) or “good cholesterol”. A form of cholesterol in your bloodstream that helps removed excess cholesterol from the blood and is linked to lower risk of heart disease.
Heart disease	Another name for cardiovascular disease, a disease of the heart and blood vessels, caused by plaque building up in the arteries and limiting blood flow. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other issues related to the heart and blood vessels.
Hemorrhoids	Swollen veins in the lower rectum. May cause pain and bleeding.
Hormones	Chemical messengers released by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream to stimulate specific tissues or cells.
Hunger	A situation in which someone cannot obtain an adequate amount of food, even if the shortage is not prolonged enough to cause health problems.
Hyperglycemic	A condition that occurs when the glucose level is too high because the body isn't using it properly or it doesn't make the hormone insulin.
Hypertension	Also called high blood pressure. It may not cause symptoms but it will increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Hypoglycemic	A condition that occurs in which the blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin.
Immigrants	Are people that come from one country to permanently live in another country.
Immune system	A complex network of cells, tissues and organs that help the body fight infections and other diseases.
Incomplete Protein	Plant foods are considered to be incomplete proteins because have low or are lacking in one or more of the amino acids we need to build cells. Incomplete proteins can be combined to make a complete protein.
Inflammation	The body’s natural response to an injury, infection or harmful substance, marked by pain or swelling. Ongoing or chronic inflammation can lead to health problems.
Indoles	A type of phytonutrient found in vegetables, such as; broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
Injera	A flat bread made with the grain teff.
Insoluble	A substance incapable of being dissolved.
Insulin	A hormone that is created in the pancreas. It helps your body absorb sugar from the bloodstream to use as energy. Insulin assists the body in maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. One common desease in which the body does not use insulin properly is Type 2 Diabetes.
Insulin Resistance	For some unknown reason, this occurs when chemicals and cells do not react to the insulin that is produced.
IU	(International Units) Used to measure the amount of a substance (often nutrients) based on the mass and its effect on the body.
Iron	Is a metallic element that is very important in nutrition because it is a part of hemoglobin.
Kidney disease	A disease where the kidneys cannot work properly to filter out toxins from the blood. People with high blood pressure or diabetes are at greater risk for kidney disease.
LDL cholesterol	Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or “bad cholesterol”. A form of cholesterol in your bloodstream that is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Latkes	A potato pancake that comes from traditional Jewish cuisine.
Legume	A legume is a type of food that comes from a plant that is also called a legume. Peas, beans and peanuts are examples of legumes.
Leptin	A hormone that fat cells create and release to send the message of "fullness," or to stop eating to the brain.
Lipid	Any of a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include natural oils, waxes and steroids.
Lox	Thinly sliced smoked salmon.
Lycopene	A red pigment found in tomatoes, berries and other fruits.
Macronutrients	A group of nutrients that provide the body with energy. They are protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Major Mineral	A mineral, or micronutrient needed to maintain your body and provide it structure. Major minerals are needed in larger amounts. Examples include sodium, chloride, calcium and phosphorus.
Masticate	To prepare food for swallowing and digestion by chewing, crushing and kneading it in the mouth. Saliva is released from glands under the tongue to assist with this process.
Melting Pot	A country or society in which people from different nations, religious and ethnic groups live together.
Mental Health	A person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
Microbiome	The micro-organisms in a particular environment (including the body or a part of he body). The combined genetic material of the micro-organisms in a particular environment.
Micronutrients	A group of nutrients needed in small amounts that help with body processes. They include vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Migrate	The act of moving from one region to another.
Minerals	A micronutrient needed to maintain your body and provide it structure.
Moderation	To avoid excess or extremes in eating, exercise, etc.
Monounsaturated Fats	Are one of the dietary fats that are considered healthier to consume because it decreases the risk of heart disease. These fats can be found in avocados, almonds and certain oils.
Natural carb	A carb that has gone through very little processing and still has its original nutrients. Examples include whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
Neurotransmitters	A type of chemical messenger made and released by nerve cells that controls communication in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for passing signals along nerve cells (such as thoughts or feelings), which then relay the messages to other parts of the body. Neurotransmitters affect mood, motivation, feelings of pleasure or pain and numerous other functions.
Non-REM Sleep	The phases of sleep that come before REM sleep. People do dream in these phases but generally not as vividly as in REM sleep.
Nutrients	The essential components that are needed for the body's functioning, growth and metabolism.
Nutrient Dense Foods	Food that is high in nutrients but relatively low in calories.
Nutrition Facts Label	A label required on most packaged foods. Shows what nutrients are in the foods.
Obstructive sleep apnea	A type of sleep apnea in which the airway is physically blocked, either by the tongue, throat muscles or soft tissue in the throat.
Omega-3 fatty acids	A type of fat that is essential to health, protecting against heart disease, and found in flaxseed, fish, walnuts and dark leafy green vegetables.
Omega-6 fatty acids	A type of fat that is essential to health and found in oils such as soybean, corn and peanut oil.
Osteoporosis	A disease that causes a loss of bone density, making bones brittle and easily broken. It usually develops in older adults.
Oxidation	This occurs when there is an imbalance between free-radicals and antioxidants in the body.
Persecution	The act of harassing or punishing a group of people.
Physical Fitness	The condition in which the body is at a level of good health and physical ability. A physical fitness routine's purpose is to increase strength, skill and endurance.
Phytonutrients	A micronutrient found in plants that can you from disease and slow aging processes. It is often found in colorful fruits and vegetables.
Plaque	A small, sticky material such as a fatty deposit on an artery wall.
Polysaccharides	A type of complex carbohydrate made of a chain of sugar molecules strung together. One example is starch, found in foods such as potatoes or rice.
Potassium	One of the crucial minerals that the body needs to maintain stable cells and aid in muscle tightening.
Prebiotics	A type of dietary fiber that helps feed the “good bacteria” in your gut. Examples of foods that contain prebiotics are bananas, legumes, onions and garlic.
Pre-Diabetic	A condition characterized by slightly elevated blood glucose levels, regarded as signal that a peson is at risk of progressing to Type II Diabetes. Pre-diabetic can show as darkened skin on certain parts of the body. Affected areas can include neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles.
Probiotics	The “good bacteria” in your gut that contributes to a healthy gut flora, supporting your immune system, digestive health, and weight management. Examples of foods that contain probiotics are yogurt, buttermilk, sauerkraut and pickles.
Processed Foods	These are foods that are changed from the natural food into another form of food. Processed foods include: breakfast cereals, cheese, bread, snack foods, cakes, cookies and more.
Profitable	Resulting in financial gain, money making.
Protein	A macronutrient needed by the body to produce energy and maintain your body by repairing and making cells, muscle and tissue.
RDA	(Recommended Dietary Allowance) The amount of nutrients that is recommended you consume each day to maintain health.
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep	REM sleep is the fifth phase of sleep in which the eyes move rapidly and intense dreaming occurs.
Refined carb	A carb that has gone through a process that strips it of most of its nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Examples include white flour, white rice or pasta.
Regional cuisine	A cuisine based on state or local regions/areas.
Risk factor	Any behavioral, hereditary, environmental or other consideration which increases the likelihood of developing a disease or disorder.
Saturated fats	Fats that are solid at room temperature and found in coconut oil, butter, and cheese. Eating too much will cause higher levels of blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Serotonin	A hormone that helps to regulate anxiety, happiness and mood.
Sleep apnea	A medical condition in which a person's breathing is interrupted many times during sleep.
Sleep cycle	In the course of a night, your body goes in and out of 5 different phases of sleep. A completion of all the phases is called a cycle, which normally takes from 90-110 minutes.
Sleep deprivation	A condition that occurs when you don't get enough sleep.
Sleep disorders	Conditions or illnesses which affect a person's ability to sleep well on a regular basis, such as sleep apnea.
Sleep hygiene	Positive habits that promote regular and restful sleep.
Soluble	A substance able to be dissolved, especially in water.
Starchy vegetables	Vegetables with a higher amount of starch, a type of complex carb. Examples are potatoes, corn, peas and beans.
Stimulant	A drug or substance, such as caffeine, that speeds up or excites the body's nervous system.
Stroke	A stroke can happen when the blood vessels to the brain are blocked. If there is no blood flow to the brain, it cannot function, causing symptoms that affect speech and movement.
Sugar	The smaller forms of carbohydrates that are in foods and drinks to provide a sweetened taste
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)	A government assistance program that helps people with low incomes afford food.
Teriyaki	A traditional Japanese sauce made by mixing rice wine with soy sauce.
Thermogenic	Tending to produce heat in drugs and foods.
Trans fatty acids	When unsaturated fats turn from a solid to a liquid, they become trans fatty acids. Many doctors say trans fats are unhealthier than saturated fats.
Unsaturated fats	Fats that are liquid at room temperature and found in olive oil, nuts, and fish. They are associated with lower blood cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease.
Viscous	Thicker than water, like a gel or slime.
Vitamins	A micronutrient needed to regulate bodily functions. Not getting enough could cause deficiency diseases or poor health.
Vitamin A	Also known as beta-carotene, this vitamin benefits a person's eyesight and bone development.
Vitamin B-1	Also known as Thiamine, this vitamin is important for neural functioning and carbohydrate breakdown. It can be found in green vegetables, whole grains, poultry, meats and dairy items.
Vitamin B-2	Also known as Riboflavin, this vitamin helps in the breakdown of food, absorbance of food and the production of hormones. It can be found in green vegetables, dairy items and meats.
Vitamin B-3	Also known as Niacin, this vitamin is extremely important in maintaining a healthy blood flow and in helping in the digestive process. It can be found in green vegetables, meat, fish whole grains and nuts.
Vitamin B-5	Also known as Pantothenic acid, this vitamin is needed for food breakdown. It can be found in eggs, meats and whole grains.
Vitamin B-6	Also known as Pyrodoxine, it is important in protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It can be found in eggs, fish, poultry and whole grains.
Vitamin B-8	Also known as Inositol, it is a vitamin molecule that helps maintain calcium levels, keep cell membranes strong and helps build the inside structure of cells. It can be found in animal and plant tissue.
Vitamin B-9	Also known as Folic Acid, it is a vitamin that can help lower risks of certain heart diseases, reduces birth defects and helps cells grown and divide and creates amino acids. It can be found in green, leafy vegetables, dried beans, oranges, poultry and a variety of nuts.
Vitamin B-12	Also known as Cobalamin, it helps take the energy out of food for the body to use and also helps in preventing heart diseases. It can be found in eggs, whole grains, poultry and fish.
Vitamin C	This vitamin is an important antioxidant, helps build the tissue that holds the body together and is important for cells to transfer energy within themselves.
Vitamin D	Helps in the growth of bones and teeth. It is found in egg yolks and fatty fish.
Vitamin E	This vitamin helps to heal skin, reduce scars and destroy certain bacteria.
Vitamin H	Also known as Biotin, it helps in the growth of an individual's body and can be found in milk, eggs and yeast.
Vitamin K	Aids in clotting blood. It can be found in cereals, eggs, green beans and other fruits and vegetables.
Water-soluble vitamins	Dissolve in water and are generally not stored in the body, instead they are flushed out when fluid exits your body (in sweat or urine). Therefore, you must get a steady supply. Includes vitamin C and B-complex.
Wot	A spicy stew made with meat or lentils, seasoned with the spice berbere.
Zinc	An element that is necessary to live. Without the proper amount of zinc, a person might incur one or all of the following: diarrhea, hair loss, infected skin sores, loss of vision, memory problems, damaged body tissue, inability for organs to function.