Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Polysaccharides

    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…

  • Polyols

    Sugar alcohols.  

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

    Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

    Commonly recognised cause of anovulatory infertility which is associated with multiple small ovarian cysts, high androgen levels and insulin resistance. A condition in which the ovaries become enlarged and contain multiple cysts. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is linked to an inherited resistance to the effects of the hormone insulin, which regulates the blood sugar glucose.…

  • Pico

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

  • Phytylmenaquinone

    Vitamin K.  

  • Phytotoxin

    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.  

  • Phytohaemagglutinin

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

  • Phytoalexins

    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…

  • Phytate inositol polyphosphat

    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.  

  • Phytate (phytic acid)

    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…

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