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Lactic acid
An acid that results from anaerobic glucose metabolism. It is
the buildup of lactic acid that causes muscle fatigue during
strenuous activity.
Lactobacilli
Any number of species of bacteria that are capable of transforming
lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid through fermentation. Lactobacilli
are naturally present in the colon, and are sometimes referred
to as "friendly" bacteria because they aid in digestion
and fight certain disease causing microorganisms. See: ProDophilus
Lactose
Sugar in milk which many people, especially adults, have an intolerance
to (indigestion) to a lack of the enzyme lactase in their bodies.
L-Alanine
An amino acid. BCAAs are used as a source of energy for muscle
cells. During prolonged exercise, BCAAs are released from skeletal
muscles and their carbon backbones are used as fuel, while their
nitrogen portion is used to form another amino acid, Alanine.
Alanine is then converted to Glucose by the liver. This form
of energy production is called the Alanine-Glucose cycle, and
it plays a major role in maintaining the body's blood sugar balance.
L-Arginine
Indispensable of optimum growth. Stimulates the release of growth
hormone, important to muscle metabolism; acts as a vehicle for
transport, storage and excretion of nitrogen.
L-Aspartic Acid
Increases resistance to fatigue. Involved in the formation of
RNA and DNA, the chemical base of hereditary and carries of genetic
information. Salts of Aspic acid increase stamina and endurance.
Protects the liver and promotes normal cell function. Builds
up the immune system producing immunoglobulin and antiglobulin.
L-Carnitine
Carnitine has been shown to have a major role in the metabolism
of fat and in the reduction of triglycerides by increasing fat
utilization. It transfers fatty acids across the membranes of
the mitochondria where they can be utilized as sources of energy.
It also increases the rate at which the liver uses fats. By preventing
fatty build-up, this amino acid aids in weight loss and decreases
the risk of heart disease. See: L-Carnitine
L-Citrulline
Helps recovery from fatigue. Stimulates the immune systems, therefore,
is beneficial in the presence of any illness, disease, traumatic
injury or wound. Metabolizes to L-Arginine. Detoxifies ammonia
which is poisonous to living cells.
L-Cysteine
A high sulfur containing amino acid synthesizes by the liver.
It is an important precursor to Glutathione, one of the body's
most effective antioxidants and free radical destroyers. Glutathione
also protects the liver and brain from the damaging effects of
cigarettes and alcohol, protects red blood cells from oxidative
damage and aids in amino acid transport. Glutathione specifically
helps neutralize the aldehydes produced by the liver as a by-product
in the metabolism of fats, alcohol, air pollutants and some drugs.
It works most effectively when taken in conjunction with vitamin
E and selenium.
Lecithin
A phospholipid containing glycerol, fatty acids, phosphoric acid
and choline. Serves as a structural material to every cell in
the body. Important to the brain and nerves. See: Phosphatidyl Choline
L-Glutamic Acid
Especially important in brain metabolism. Functions as brain
fuel, serving as an excitatory neurotransmitter, transports potassium
across the blood brain barrier. Combines to form L-Glutamine
and in the process picks up ammonia radicals.
L-Histidine
Used in the treatment of allergic diseases. Also used in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Effective in the treatment
of ulcers of the digestive organs. Important in the production
of red and white blood cells; i.e. treatment of anemia.
Licorice
While commonly thought of as a popular candy, the herb Licorice
is derived from the from the roots and stems of the plant Glycyrrhiza
glabra, and is never used in candies. Licorice is one of
the mainstays of traditional Chinese medicine, and has been used
for over 3,000 years as a tonic to rejuvenate the heart and spleen,
and as a treatment for ulcers, cold symptoms, and skin disorders.
See: Licorice Root
Linoliec Acid
An essential fatty acid (EFA) that your body cannot make itself.
It is found in polyunsaturated oils such as safflower, sunflower,
walnut oil, etc. This is considered a type of "good"
fat. You need approximately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
Lipid
A fat or fatty substance.
Lipoprotein
A type of protein molecule that incorporates a lipid. Lipoproteins
act as agents of lipid transport in the lymph and blood.
Lipotropic Nutrients
Substances that prevent or curtail the buildup of fat in the
liver, such as B-fatty acids and methionine.
L-Leucine
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called
BCAA's because they structurally branch off another chain of
atoms instead of forming a line. Studies have shown that BCAA's
help to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit its breakdown,
so BCAA's have powerful anabolic and anticatabolic effects on
the body. They may also potentiate the release of some anabolic
hormones, such as growth hormone. Regular ingestion of BCAA's
help to keep the body in a state of positive nitrogen balance.
In this state, your body much more readily builds muscle and
burns fat. Studies have shown that athletes taking extra BCAA's
have shown a loss of more body fat than those not taking BCAA's.
L-Lysine
Inhibits the growth of viruses. Used in the treatment of Herpes
Simplex virus. Produces L-Carnitine which improves stress tolerance
and fat metabolism and has an anti fatigue effect. Promotes bone
growth by helping collagen, the fibrous protein which makes up
bone, cartilage and other connective tissue. See: L-Lysine
L-Methionine
A sulfur bearing essential amino acid important in hair, nail
and muscle production, liver maintenance (lipotropic effects),
and production of creatine and other aminos.
L-Ornithine
Stimulates the release of growth hormone which increases muscle
mass while decreasing the amount of body fat. Helps build up
the immune system. Promotes liver function and regeneration.
Important in the formation of Urea, detoxifying ammonia which
is poisonous to living cells. Promotes healing.
L-Phenylalanine
Produces and maintains an elevated and positive mood, alertness
and ambition. Enhances learning and memory, produces neurotransmitters
which control impulse transmission between nerve cells. Is involved
in dopamine transmission. Used in the treatment of certain types
of depression. Suppresses appetite. See: L-Phenylalanine
L-Proline
Extremely important for the proper function of joints and tendons,
as well as good heart muscles. Glycogenic (energy storage source
of glucose by the liver and muscles) a major constituent of collagen,
the main fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage and other tissues.
L-Serine
Synthesized by the body from the amino acids glycine or threonine.
Its production requires adequate amounts of B-7 (niacin), B-6,
and folic acid. It is needed for the metabolism of fats and fatty
acids, muscle growth and a healthy immune system. It aides in
the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies. It is a constituent
of brain proteins and nerve coverings. It is important in the
formation of cell membranes, involved in the metabolism of purines
and pyrimidines, and muscle synthesis. It is also used in cosmetics
as a skin moisturizer. See: L-Serine
L-Threonine
Essential to normal growth. Generally low in vegetarian diets.
Builds up the immune system producing immunoglobulin and antibodies.
Is an important constitute of collagen and elastin proteins.
L-Tryptophan
Used by the brain to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin which
results in calming effect. Used in the treatment of insomnia,
stress, anxiety and depression. Stimulates the release of growth
hormone which burns body fat and acts as an aid in weight control.
Used in the treatment of migraines. See: 5-HTP
L-Tyrosine
Plays an important rule in the function of the adrenal, pituitary
and thyroid glands.
Lutein
A carotenoid phytonutrient with antioxidant properties especially
important to eye protection.
L-Valine
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called
BCAA's because they structurally branch off another chain of
atoms instead of forming a line. Studies have shown that BCAA's
help to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit its breakdown,
so BCAA's have powerful anabolic and anticatabolic effects on
the body.
Lycopene
Most powerful of the carotenoid antioxidants; shown to be beneficial
in prostate protection and treatment. See: Lycopene
Lymph
A clear fluid derived from blood plasma that circulates throughout
the body, is collected from the tissues, and flows through the
lymphatic vessel, eventually returning to the blood circulation.
Its function is to nourish tissue cells and return waste matter
to the bloodstream.
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