Glossary

Any plant that is a member of the pea family (Leguminosae) that have seeds in pods. They include beans, lentils, peas and peanuts.

[ Leptin ] A hormone primarily secreted by adipocytes that is involved in regulation of energy homeostasis. Other functions are being researched as leptin is also known to be secreted from sites other than adipocytes, and leptin receptors have been… Read More »Leptin

[ Leucine ] A branched-chain amino acid. For humans, leucine is one of the nine essential_amino_acids.

[ Linoleic Acid, LA ] Not to be confused with linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. While LA is considered an essential fatty acids, it is the abundant fatty acid found in most commercial vegetable oils, resulting in its overconsumption.… Read More »Linoleic acid

[ Lipid ] A group of naturally occurring organic compounds that include fats, waxes, sterols. Lipids can be either hydrophobic or amphiphilic. Lipids are biologically important for storing energy, signaling, and as structural components. The amphiphilic properties of some lipids… Read More »Lipid

[ Lipid Peroxidation ] The oxidative degradation of lipids in which free radicals steal electrons from lipids, which can result in damage to cell membranes.

[ Lipolysis ] The breakdown of lipids by the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.

[ Long-chain fatty acid, LCFA ] A fatty acid with an aliphatic tails of 13 to 21 carbon atoms.

[ Macronutrient ] A nutrient that is consumed in large quantities and forms the bulk of the biomass of an organism. In animals, the macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. In plants, the macronutrients include calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium… Read More »Macronutrient

A complex series of non-enzymatic chemical reactions between amino acids and sugars, responsible for the browning of meats during roasting, searing or deep frying. Some Mallard reactions may take place at room temperature; however, the more desirable flavours are achieved… Read More »Maillard reaction