Author: Glossary

Complex carbohydrates formed by the condensation of large numbers of monosaccharide units, e.g. starch, glycogen, cellulose, dextrins, inulin. On hydrolysis the simple sugar is liberated. Carbohydrate compounds like starch, cellulose, and pectic substances. Carbohydrate form that yields more than two simple sugars upon breakdown, found in cereal grains, roots, bulbs, and tubers. The principle ones…

Sugar alcohols.  

Prefix for units of measurement, one million- millionth part (i.e. 10-12); symbol p.  

Vitamin K.  

Any poisonous substance produced by a plant. Any poisonous substance (toxin) produced by a plant, such as any of the toxins produced by fungi of the genus Amanita.  

A lectin and mitogen. Capable of promoting a rapid proliferation of immune cells.  

Substances, often harmful to human beings, which increase in plant tissues when they are stressed, as by physical damage, exposure to ultraviolet light, etc. An antimicrobial compound produced in a plant in response to fungal infection. Certain compounds that impede the proliferation of particular microorganisms and are synthesized within higher flora due to various stimuli…

Aplant acid which binds divalent metal ions such as ferrous iron, zinc, etc., and makes these ions less bioavailable for intestinal absorption from the food.  

Inositol hexaphosphate, present in cereals, particularly in the bran, in dried legumes and some nuts as both water- soluble salts (sodium and potassium) and insoluble salts of calcium and magnesium. Contributes significantly to the daily intake of phosphorus but is also a major inhibitor of the absorption of iron and zinc. Chelating agent used for…