Antioxidant: A class of nutrients that help the body prevent free radical damage to healthy cells.

Esters: Compounds formed by a reaction between an alcohol and acid.

Homocysteine: An amino acid. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased risk of premature coronary artery disease and stroke, even among people who have normal cholesterol levels.

Hypercholesterolaemia: Excess of cholesterol in the blood.

Hyperlipidemic: Excess of fats or “lipids” in the blood plasma.

LDL Cholesterol: Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol

Microcrystalline: Made up of minute crystals

Mimetic: Imitative.

Phytostanols: Fully saturated plant sterols.

Phytosterols: compounds in plants that have been shown to help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Plant sterols: Another name for phytosterols

Sitostanol: A fully saturated plant sterol that may reduce serum cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption.

Tocopherols: Vitamin E antioxidant compounds

Tocotrieniols: Vitamin E antioxidant compounds

Triacylglycerol: Also known as triglyceride. The major fat reserves found in plants and animals. Elevated amounts in the blood may increase the risk of heart disease.