| KEY TERMS B-complex vitamins—A group of water-soluble vitamins that often work together in the body. These include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B), niacin (B), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7 or vitamin H), folate/folic acid (B), and cobalamin (B). Dietary fiber—Also known as roughage or bulk. Insoluble fiber moves through the digestive system almost undigested and gives bulk to stools. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps keep stools soft. Dietary supplement—A product, such as a vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme, that is intended to be consumed in addition to an individual. Eicosanoids—Hormone-like compounds made from fatty acids. Eicosanoids are thought to affect blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation. Enzyme—A protein that change the rate of a chemical reaction within the body without themselves being used up in the reaction. Fatty acids—Complex molecules found in fats and oils. Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that the body needs but cannot synthesize. Essential fatty acids are made by plants and must be present in the diet to maintain health. Glucagon—A hormone made by the alpha cells of the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels by signaling liver and muscle cells to release sugar stored as glycogen. Glycemic index—A ranking from 1–100 of how much carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood sugar levels within two hours after being eaten. Foods with a gly-cemic index of 50 or lower are considered “good” Insulin—A hormone made by the beta cells of the pancreas that controls blood glucose (sugar) levels by moving excess glucose into muscle and liver to store as glycogen. Pancreas—A gland near the liver and stomach that secretes digestive fluid into the intestine and the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. |
Description
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Research and general acceptance
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What is the Zone Diet?
The Zone diet is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. It is based on the concept that if people eat an ideal balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats at every meal and snack, they will achieve hormonal balance. This will control insulin levels and result in weight loss and health benefits. What are the Origins of the Zone Diet?
The Zone diet was developed by Barry Sears. Sears has a Ph. D. in biochemistry, but no special training in nutrition. He began working on this diet in the 1970s. After his father died prematurely of a heart attack at age 53, Sears began studying the role of fats in the development of cardiovascular disease. In 1995, his book Enter the Zone, became a bestseller. Since then he has written a dozen books and cookbooks about the Zone diet, established a Web site, and developed a program of home-delivered Zone meals, turning the Zone diet concept into a multi-million dollar business. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- Do I have any special dietary needs that this diet might not meet?
- Should I take dietary supplements while on this diet? If so, which ones?
- Is it safe to stay on this diet for a long time?
- Can everyone in my family go on this diet?
- Is there a less complex or less expensive diet that would meet my needs?
- Are the percent of body fat targets this diet sets realistic for me?
The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets © 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
