Glossary
Have you ever stumbled across an unfamiliar word when reading about vitamins and supplements? Health and wellness can be a complex adventure. Maybe a new product features ingredients you've never heard of. Or maybe you just need a reminder about a certain term. When a quick reference check is needed, visit our Natural Health Glossary for a brief definition (or a link to more detailed information in our Health Encyclopedia). Be sure to keep this helpful, easy-to-search resource one click away: bookmark it!
Juniper: (JOO-nuh-per) see juniper encyclopedia entry
Kava Kava: (KAHV-uh KAHV-uh) see kava kava encyclopedia entry
KCl (potassium chloride): (KCI) A colorless crystalline solid or powder used widely in the preparation of most potassium compounds (also called potassium muriate).
Keratin: (CARE-uh-tin) An insoluble protein found in hair, skin, and nails.
Korean Ginseng: (Korean JIN-sing) see Korean ginseng encyclopedia entry
Laxative: (LACK-suh-tiv) A substance that stimulates bowel movements.
L-Carnitine: (elle-CAR-nuh-teen) see L-Carnitine encyclopedia entry
Lecithin: (less-I-thin) see lecithin encyclopedia entry
Leukocyte: (LUKE-oh-sight) White blood cell.
Licorice: (LICK-or-ish) see licorice encyclopedia entry
Linoleic acid: (lin-OH-lay-ick A-sid) An omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in cold-water fish and flaxseed oil.
Linolenic acid: (lin-OH-len-ick A-sid) A polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in many vegetable oils.
Lipids: (LIP-edz) Fats or fatty substances including cholesterols, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Lipoprotein: (LIP-uh-PRO-teen) A complex of lipid and protein responsible for the transport of fats within the bloodstream.
Lipotropic: (lip-uh-TROW-pick ) Describing a substance that prevents or inhibits the accumulation of fat in the liver.
L-Lysine: (elle-LIE-seen) see L-Lysine encyclopedia entry
Low density lipoprotein (LDL): (LDL)Often called the "bad cholesterol," a compound comprised of fat and protein that carries fats in the blood.
Lutein: (LOO-teen) An antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from free-radical damage. Found primarily in dark green, leafy vegetables. see lutein encyclopedia entry
Lycopene: (LIE-co-peen) A powerful antioxidant carotenoid found in tomatoes. It is especially active in the prostate gland. see lycopene encyclopedia entry
Lymph nodes: (LIMF nodes ) Glands located in the lymph vessels that trap foreign material and protect the bloodstream from infection.
Lymphocytes: (LIMF-uh-sight) A type of white blood cell found primarily in lymph nodes. They are crucial components of the immune system.
