Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that function as the primary resident macrophages. They play a crucial role in immune defense in the brain and…

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities than macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). These include vitamins and minerals crucial for various physiological functions, including metabolism,…

Mindful eating is an approach to food consumption that involves paying full attention to the sensory experience of eating and being present in the moment without judgment. It emphasizes awareness…

Mindless eating refers to consuming food without conscious awareness or intentional attention to the act of eating. It often involves eating distractedly or automatically, where individuals may not fully register…

Minimally processed foods are whole or nearly whole foods that have undergone limited industrial processing intended primarily to preserve them, ensure safety, or make them more convenient to store and…

A minor neurocognitive disorder is defined by a modest decline in cognitive deficits that is not severe enough to interfere with a person's independence or ability to perform daily tasks…

Mitochondria are organelles within cells responsible for energy production through the process of cellular respiration. Often referred to as the 'powerhouses' of the cell, they play a crucial role in…

Mood can be defined as a temporary state of mind or feeling. It is also defined as a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion. In Nutritional Psychology, mood refers…

Mood disorders (also called affective disorders) are a category of psychiatric conditions characterized by marked, sustained disruptions in emotional state — either severe lows (depression) or highs (hypomania or mania)…

A branch of the immune system dedicated to defending the body’s mucosal surfaces, such as those in the gut, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, against pathogens while maintaining tolerance to…