Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Cruciferous vegetables
Also called brassica vegetables, a family of vegetables that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips. Nutrient-rich vegetables from the cabbage family. Cruciferous vegetables are named for their four-petaled flowers that look like a crucifer or cross. Cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes,…
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C-reactive protein
A measure of inflammation; higher amounts may be seen in individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A substance in the blood that is a measure of inflammation; higher amounts may be seen in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. A protein found in the blood of patients with inflammatory diseases; its presence can help…
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Coronary artery disease
Narrowing of the heart arteries. When atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the heart muscle. Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which reduces the supply of blood, and therefore of oxygen, to the heart muscle. Damage of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. This disease is usually the result of cholesterol plaques on…
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Colonoscopy
A medical procedure in which a long, flexible instrument, a colonoscope, is used to view the entire inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. An examination of the inside of the colon, using a colonoscope passed through the rectum. Procedure used to inspect the lining of the colon for polyps, tumors, and other…
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Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder to treat inflammation (cholecystitis) and/or presence of stones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis). A cholecystectomy is performed in severe cases of cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is usually the result of gallstones (solid masses, primarily of cholesterol, formed in the gallbladder). Cholecystectomy is also indicated for patients with recurrent…
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Brassica
Any plant of the genus Brassica of the mustard family, including broccoli and cabbage. A fast-growing category of the mustard plant family, which also produces sulfur-based gases (a natural defense against certain fungi and insect pests). For example, Australian CSIRO scientists discovered in 1994 that sulfur-based isothiocyanates emitted by Brassica actively combat Wheat Take-All Disease…
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Body mass index (BMI)
Measure of body fat based on height and weight. Calculated from a person’s weight and height, this is an indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that might lead to health problems. An index of fatness and obesity. The weight (in kg) divided by the square of…
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Beta-glucans
Naturally occurring polysaccharides found in foods such as cereal and mushrooms.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Enlargement of the prostate gland (only in men). An enlarged prostate gland, a common condition as men age. Also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that may interfere with urination. Enlargement of the prostate gland in men, resulting in constriction of the urethra that may interfere with urination. A nonmalignant…
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Atopy
Genetic tendency to develop classic allergic diseases. A hereditary allergic reaction. Hypersensitivity to protein or non-protein substances, exposure to which produces asthmatic or other symptoms. The hypersensitivity of atopy is usually considered to be of genetic origin (allergy). Allergy to which one has an inherited tendency. A genetically determined allergic or hypersensitive response. A form…
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