glossary

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bisphenol A (BPA): chemical used to harden plastic. Effects of BPA consumption could include cancer, decline in sperm, early sexual maturation in females, neurobehavioral problems and immune system defects. 

carcinogen: a substance capable of causing cancer.

carrageenan: a food additive made from seaweed utilized in lots of foods (shakes, ice cream, tofu, infant formula, non-dairy milk,  salad dressing, frozen dinners, soups, broth, etc.) to increase the thickness of the product. Carrageenan is known to cause stomach lacerations,  tumors/cancer and inflammatory bowels.

conventional (conventionally grown): method of growing food that allows the use of fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMO's).

free-radical: an uncharged molecule having an unpaired valence electron which causes them to be highly reactive. Free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases.

genetically modified organism (GMO): organism whose genetic material has been altered by genetic engineering so that it's DNA contains one or more genes that are not typical of the organisms DNA. 

ipa: (indian pale ale) a very hoppy beer that taste amazing.

omega 3 fatty acid: an essential fat that the body CAN NOT make, therefore, we must obtain by consuming foods high in them. Omega 3 fatty acids are an integral part of the membrane of our cells and aid in making hormones that blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls and inflammation. They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function, I would say these guys are important.

whole food: food that has been processed or refined as little as possible and is free from additives or other artificial substances.