Health Glossary
Anabolism – A metabolic condition when the building of proteins and muscle mass in the body occur.
Calories – The unit that represents how much energy food contains.
Carbohydrates – Main function is to provide energy. They contain 4 calories/gram. All Carbohydrates break down into glucose. There are two types of carbs: Simple and Complex. They can be determined with the Glycemic Index.
Catabolism – A metabolic condition in which muscle is broken down and energy is released.
Fats – Main responsibility is to promote healthy cell function. Used as a source of energy and contain 9 calories/gram. There are two types of fats: Saturated and Unsaturated.
Glucagon – A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels in the blood. It converts the stored carbohydrates in the liver and muscles, glycogen, and converts it into glucose so the body can use it as energy.
Glucose - The simplest form of a carb. All carbs (both simple and complex) break down into glucose eventually
Glycemic Index – Scale that measures a carbs effect on blood glucose levels. The scale ranges from 1 to 160. 70 to 160 is high, 56 to 69 is medium, and 55 and below is low.
Glycogen – The form a carbohydrate takes when stored in the liver and muscles.
Growth Hormone (GH) – Protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Promotes muscle growth and cell reproduction.
Hypertrophy – Excess growth of of an organ or tissue. In our case, excess growth of the muscles.
Insulin – Hormone produced by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose levels in the blood. It’s purpose is to keep the body’s blood sugar levels under control by removing glucose and storing it in the Muscles and liver as glycogen.
Metabolism – The total amount all chemical reactions that take place in the body.
Proteins – Main function is to repair muscles and tissue. Protein is a source of energy. They contain Branch Chain Amino Acids (building blocks of protein). They contain 4 calories/gram.
