G-H

GLA


Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid within the omega-6 family. It is found primarily in plant based oils such as evening primrose oil and borage oil.

Gluten


Gluten is a protein found in the cereals wheat, rye and barley. Obvious sources of gluten in the diet are bread, pasta, breakfast cereals and flour. Gluten causes inflammation and pain in the small intestines of people with coeliac disease, which is why a gluten-free diet should be adhered to.

Glycaemic Load (GL)


Glycaemic load is a unit of measurement that tells you exactly what a particular food will do to your blood sugar. Foods with a high GL have a greater effect on your blood sugar, which isn’t desirable. Foods with a low GL encourage the body to burn fat.

Glyconutrients


Glyconutrients are types of sugars. They are either attached to protein, in which case they are called glycoproteins, or attached to fat, in which case they are called glycolipids. Examples of Glyconutrients include glucosamine, galactose, mannose and xylose.

Haemoglobin


Haemoglobin is the protein that is found in red blood cells. It contains iron and is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

HDL Cholesterol


HDL is short for high density lipoprotein. It is the “good cholesterol” responsible for removing harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. High HDL levels reduce the risk of heart disease.

Histamine


Histamine is a chemical naturally produced by various cells in the body. A large amount of histamine is produced within mast cells where it forms part of your immune defence system. When people experience an allergic reaction, excessive amounts of histamine is released from these cells.

Homocysteine


Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated with narrowing and hardening of the arteries, an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clot formation and Alzheimer’s disease.

Hypertension


Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure.