NUTRITION
GLOSSARY
ANTIOXIDANTS
the natural compounds in some foods that slows down
the damage effects of oxidation in a living organism. It neutralizes free
radicals from damaging our cells.
CALORIES
The units used to measure the amount of energy released when our body
digest food. The nutrients we consume are broken down during the digestion
process producing a certain amount of energy. When you eat too much calories
than needed, these extra calories are our stored as fat. High calories foods are
oils, peanut butter, butter, honey, whole milk, yogurt, avocados, dates, figs,
coconut, raisins, bananas, prunes.
CARBOHYDRATES
Often called carbs. It is a large group of natural compounds that
includes sugars, starch and cellulose. Our body breaks down these carbs into
Glucose which is the primary source of energy. Carbohydrates are the most
abundant organic substance in nature. They are found in foods like bread,
potatoes, rice, pasta…One gram of carbs equals 4 calories.
CURCUMIN
The Turmeric plant is composed of many ingredients. Curcumin is the main
active ingredient of them all. It gives this condiment its orange and yellow
its colour. It is packed with antioxidant and has many benefits to our health.
KIDNEY FAILURE
A medical condition where one or both our kidneys stops doing their job.
It is the severe stage of kidney diseases. Our kidney is our body’s filter. It
removes waste products and extra water from the blood and dispose of them in
the form of urine. Humans can live with one kidney if it is functioning
properly.
ENZYMES
A substance found in our body and all living organisms. It plays the
role of catalyst: Its main job is to regulate and increase the rate of all the
chemical reactions without being destroyed or changed.
FIBERS
Fibers The recommended daily intake of fibers is 28 grams. The high fiber
foods are vegetables, fruits and nuts. In vegetables, we find asparagus,
broccoli, carrot, artichoke, green peas, cauliflower, turnip… In fruits, there
are avocado, apple, strawberry, banana, raspberry…In the nut and seed category,
we find almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, Shia seeds.. we can find fibers in products
like lentils, beans, barley, quinoa, oats, popcorn…
FLAVONOIDS
a class of natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, grains, tea, chocolate…Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants. It can be found in foods like: Onions, berries, grapes, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, peaches, apples, chocolate and its products, parsley, red pepper, celery, chamomile, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, green tea, black tea…
FREE RADICALS
Unstable molecules made during the chemical reactions in a cell. They
are also made by our body after exposing to toxins. If our metabolism could not
dispose of them, they can build up and cause damage to other molecules like our
DNA, lipids, proteins, and consequently cause cancer and other diseases.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
It is an infection caused by a micro living organism called fungi. These
tiny creatures live outdoors, indoors and on our skin. They can make people
sick like molds, yeasts and mushrooms. Fungi can be the cause to many diseases
like allergies or asthma, rashes in the skin and nails, lung infections…they
mostly attack people with weak immune system.
GALANGAL
It is also called Siamese ginger. It is an underground plant stem. It is
used mostly in Asia and Southeast Asia. Galangal has a sharp peppery and citrusy
flavour. It is rich in antioxidants. It helps protect cancer, boost male
fertility, fight inflammation and infections. It is three times more powerful
than curcumin and gingerol. It is used in cooking and often as a hot drink.
OMEGA 3
Omega-3 fat acids are very crucial in our nutrition. They belong to the
category of food called the healthy fats. Since our body can’t produce enough omega
3, we need to get them from the foods we eat. They help prevent heart diseases
and stroke. Also, they protect against certain cancers like breast cancer and
beneficial for our brain health. Moreover, they help lower cholesterol, and
lower blood pressure. These fatty oils are found in seafood like salmon,
mackerel, cod liver oil, oysters, sardines, anchovies, caviar…they can be found
also in plants like flaxseed, Shia seeds, soybeans… Omega-3 capsules are sold
in pharmacies.
KETONES
Ketones are a type of chemical acid made in our liver. They are produced when we don’t have enough glucose in our systems. To produce energy, our body need another source, so, it uses fat instead. These ketones are then sent to our bloodstream to be used as fuel by muscles and tissues. This situation happens mostly with people with diabetes.
MICROBIOME
The word comes from the Greek “Mikros “and “Bios” which means “small”
and “life”. A microbiome is a group of living microorganisms that lives together
in an environment.
POLYPHENOLS
Polyphenols are a group of compounds found in such foods as fruits, vegetables,
spices, herbs, tea. It is the substance that gives these foods their green colour.
They are a powerful antioxidant.
PHYTOESTROGENS
Phyto means “relating to plants”. They are natural compounds that occurs
mostly in plants. They can be found in fruits, vegetables and in grains. The foods
that are high in phytoestrogen are flaxseeds, dried fruits, sesame seeds,
garlic, peaches, berries, tofu, broccoli, cabbages, onions…
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