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…