Food-Intrinsic Sensory Factors
Food-intrinsic sensory factors are characteristics of a food item that human senses can perceive. These include the color of the food product, its texture, viscosity, etc. The taste and smell…
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Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
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Food-intrinsic sensory factors are characteristics of a food item that human senses can perceive. These include the color of the food product, its texture, viscosity, etc. The taste and smell…
Free radicals are reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, causing them to seek stability by taking electrons from other molecules. This process, called oxidative stress, can damage cells and is linked…
Fullness hormones induce a feeling of satiety and reduce the desire to eat. Cholecystokinin (CCK) and leptin are examples of fullness hormones.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates brain activity by reducing neuronal excitability. It counterbalances the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters, contributing to the overall balance of neural signaling. GABA is…
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), also known as the gut, digestive tract, or alimentary canal, is a long, twisted hollow tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and is…
The GBA-microbiota crosstalk is a bidirectional communication system between the gut, microbiota, and brain. This communication occurs physically or biochemically and interlinks the gut with the cognitive and emotional centers…
Genes are the instruction manuals of living organisms made up of intricate DNA sequences; their function is to direct the production of specific proteins and enzymes required for survival.
The germ-free (GF) animal model refers to the study of animals raised in a sterile environment free of microorganisms (i.e., beneficial and pathogenic microbes) for research purposes (Bhattarai & Kashyap,…
Ghrelin is often referred to as the "hunger hormone." It is produced by the stomach and stimulates appetite, signaling to the brain that it's time to eat (Pradhan et al.,…
A gland is a group of cells whose function is to produce and secrete a specific substance (such as hormones, digestive juices, tears, saliva, and milk) either directly into the…
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