Glossary - "H-I-J-K"
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Hemp Protein – comes from the cannabis plant and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It does not contain any THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It is a lean source of plant-based protein, making it a great supplement to a plant-based diet. About 25% of each hemp seed is protein, and the seeds are low in fat. Eating lean proteins boosts metabolism, benefits digestion, and promotes lean body mass. Unlike many animal protein sources, hemp protein contains no cholesterol or saturated fats. Three tablespoons of hemp protein powder contain around 90 calories and 3 grams of fat while packing in 15 grams of protein.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measuring consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. High blood pressure usually occurs due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also happen during pregnancy. Many people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure to a healthy range by making lifestyle changes, including not smoking, getting enough physical activity, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. In addition to making positive lifestyle changes, some people with high blood pressure need to take medicine to control their blood pressure.
Himalayan Pink Salt – rock salt (halite) mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan. The salt, which often has a pinkish tint due to trace minerals, is primarily used as a food additive to replace refined table salt but is also used for cooking and food presentation, decorative lamps, and spa treatments. Some estimate it may contain up to 84 minerals and trace elements. These very minerals, especially iron, give it its characteristic pink color. It is often promoted with unsupported claims that it has health benefits.
Histidine – a nutritionally essential amino acid used to grow and repair damaged tissues and make blood cells. It helps protect nerve cells. You should not take high doses of single amino acids for long periods of time. Taking too much histidine may cause psychological issues. It may also lead to mood disorders. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use histidine supplements.
Honey – a sweet and viscous substance made by several bees, the best-known of which are honey bees. Honey is sweet because of its high concentrations of the monosaccharides fructose and glucose. It has about the same relative sweetness as sucrose (table sugar). It has a moderate glycemic index. The main uses of honey are in cooking, baking, desserts, as a spread on bread, as an addition to various beverages such as tea, and as a sweetener in some commercial beverages. Occasionally, honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a young child's intestines. Do not give your child honey until they are over one year old. Honey is a sugar, so avoiding it will help prevent tooth decay. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.
Hyaluronic Acid – a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. Different forms of hyaluronic acid are used for cosmetic purposes. Hyaluronic acid might also affect how the body responds to injury and help decrease swelling. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA.
Hydration – water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It is essential to be properly hydrated. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. When the regular water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in your body, affecting how it functions. Dehydration is especially dangerous for young children and older adults or anyone undertaking intense physical activity, living in extreme conditions, recovering from illness, or taking medicines that offset the balance in the body. Symptoms include dry mouth, excessive thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Serious complications from dehydration include cramps, heat stroke, urinary and kidney problems, loss of consciousness, seizures, and even shock. The best way to keep from dehydrating is to always consume adequate amounts of water (or similar hydrating fluids), particularly before any strenuous activity. You must also consume additional fluids during and after strenuous activity to replace the fluids lost from sweating. Sports or hydration drinks that contain essential nutrients called electrolytes may be used to restore the proper balance of water, and other lost nutrients in the body to aid the process. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. When exercising, facing extreme conditions, or undertaking strenuous physical activity, the following guidelines are recommended: Before Exercise: Start your activity well-hydrated. You should drink 16-24 fl. oz. of water within the 2 hours before undertaking the activity. And then again, at 10-20 minutes before activity, consume another 7-10 fl. oz. of water. During Exercise: Consume approximately 6-12 fl. oz. every 10-20 minutes throughout your activity. Do not just drink when you feel thirsty - that is often too late! After Exercise: If possible, check your weight before and after undertaking the activity. You should replace every one lb. of loss in weight with 16-24 fl. oz. of water. The total fluid consumed should be focused within 2 hours of activity, however fully finished within 6 hours.
Hydration Drinks – beverages that are promoted to assist the consumer in maintaining proper hydration levels daily. They typically include some level of electrolytes, a flavoring agent, and a sweetener.
Immunity – the immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that defend the body against infection while protecting the body's cells. The immune system records every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated so it can recognize and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. Immunity to a disease is achieved through the presence of antibodies to that disease in a person's system. Antibodies are proteins the body produces to neutralize or destroy toxins or disease-carrying organisms. Your immune system can be boosted through your diet - immune-boosting foods include berries, fish oil, leafy greens, nuts + seeds, spices, citrus fruits, poultry, brightly colored vegetables, yogurt, and olive oil. Your physical activity can also boost your immune system – beneficial activities include regular exercise, no smoking, managing stress, drinking alcohol in moderation, managing your weight, getting proper sleep, and maintaining good hygiene.
Inflammation – part of the body's defense mechanism. the body’s immune system’s response to an irritant. The irritant might be a germ, but it could also be a foreign object, such as a splinter in your finger. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, external injuries, chemicals, or radiation can cause it. The immune system recognizes and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process. Inflammation can be either acute or chronic.
Informed Choice (Independent Dietary Supplement Certification) – through their retail monitoring and supplement verification program and third-party oversight of manufacturing facilities and processes, Informed Choice helps reduce the risk of impurities and banned substances entering dietary supplements. Their process includes product + manufacturing review, pre-certification sample testing, product certification, logo use + web listing, and post-certification requirements + testing.
Informed Sport (Independent Sports Supplements Certification) – to ensure supplements are safer for athletes, Informed Sport tests every single sports supplement batch for banned substances before being released to the market. Their sports supplements certification process is trusted by sports professionals worldwide. Their process includes product + manufacturing review, pre-certification sample testing, product certification, logo use + web listing, and post-certification requirements + testing.
Inositol – a sugar made in the body and found in foods (meat, fruits, corn, beans, grains, and legumes). It can be found in nine forms. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are most common in supplements. Your body needs inositol for the functioning and development of your cells. Inositol might also balance certain chemicals in the body to help with mental conditions such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.
Iodine (I) – a mineral found in some foods (seaweed, fish, shellfish, iodized table salt, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beef liver, chicken, fortified infant formula). The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body's metabolism and many other essential functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.
Iron (Fe) – a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all body parts, and myoglobin, which provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones. While our bodies can store iron, they cannot manufacture it. The only way to get it is to consume it. It can be found in meat, poultry, seafood, organ meats, nuts + seeds, dried fruit, wholegrain pasta + bread, legumes, dark leafy vegetables, and tofu.
Isoleucine – one of the branched-chain amino acids, is also critical in the physiological functions of the whole body, such as growth, immunity, protein metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and glucose transportation. It plays a vital role in the energy supply of muscle tissue, which is particularly critical during periods of extensive physical stress. It enhances muscle growth and improves hormone balance for greater power, strength, and endurance by increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol. Isoleucine can also enhance the immune system, including immune organs, cells, and reactive substances. It is plentiful in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Dairy, soy, beans, and legumes are also sources of isoleucine.
Isomalt – a sugar substitute (sugar alcohol) with about half the sweetness of sugar, is lower in calories, and has a very low glycemic index. People with diabetes can use it, and it will not cause tooth decay like regular sugar. Due to its transparent qualities, it is a popular ingredient for elaborate cake decoration. See the definition for "sweeteners" for further information and comparison to other options.
Kelp – is a brown algae that can be eaten fresh, dried, cooked, added to smoothies and sauces as a powder, or served on food as dried granules. In Japan, dried kelp has been a staple in dashi broth, combining bonito flakes (dried, smoked tuna) and dried kelp. It also rehydrates well and can be added to soups and stir-fries. It is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and minerals like iodine and antioxidants. It may help prevent cancer, promote cardiovascular health, and even reduce fat absorption in the gut. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA.
Keto/Ketosis – a diet trend that cuts out carbohydrates and sugars to stop the blood sugar from spiking and have the body enter a state of ketosis, a process in which the body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn. Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.
Ketone Ester – a highly concentrated drink containing large quantities of the most commonly produced ketone body, beta-hydroxybutyrate. An 'ester' means that the compound is typically an acid widely known as an alcohol. Using ketone esters can increase the use of fat during exercise and preserve glycogen reserves until later in the workout. They also lower blood lactic acid, which builds up during exercise due to burning carbs at a high rate without enough oxygen.
Kosher – in Hebrew, “kosher” means fit or proper. Kosher food is any food fit for consumption by Jewish people. The laws of kosher define which foods a person can and cannot eat and how they should produce and handle certain foods. One of the most essential kosher rules is that people should never eat meat and dairy together.
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