LATEST NEWS
Know your Nutrition
By By Kylie Andrew (dietitian)
You’ve probably heard and used all of these words before, but do you know exactly what they mean? Our quick glossary gives a short definition of some of these areas to better explain their meaning.
Amino acids… the building blocks of protein, from which our body is made, some of which are supplied by foods and some actually made by the body.
Antioxidants…nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium and non-nutrients such as lycopene and flavonoids, that stop free radicals from attacking and damaging (oxidising) healthy cells in the body.
Acidophilus…a “friendly” bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, helps to restore the normal balance of bacteria in the intestines.
Calorie… unit of measure that refers to the amount of energy produced when food is oxidised or burned. One calorie equals 4.2 kiljoules.
Carbohydrate…sugars and starches that supply energy / fuel to the muscles and brain.
Cholesterol…a fatty substance, produced by the body and found in some foods. Although an integral component of every cell in the body and required for many vital functions, a high level is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Electrolytes…mineral ions including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride, which help to control the body’s biochemistry and fluid balance.
Glycaemic Index…a ranking of foods based on their effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a high GI (such as rice) are quickly digested and absorbed into the blood stream, whereas foods with a low GI (such as pasta) provide a slow and continuous release of glucose.
Kilojoule… metric unit of measure that refers to the amount of energy produced when food is oxidised or burned. For example an apple supplies 320 kilojoules of energy.
Lipoprotein…lipid (fat) protein particles in the bloodstream.
Omega 3…a type of unsaturated fat found in foods like fish, providing numerous health benefits.
Probiotics…foods containing live beneficial bacteria, such as acidophilus; including fermented drinks and yoghurts.
Phytoestrogens…plant oestrogens that have a weak oestrogenic activity and may offer some health benefits. Found in foods such as soy beans and it’s derivatives including soy milk, yoghurt, tofu, miso.
Resistant Starch… a type of carbohydrate, which resists digestion and offers numerous health benefits to the bowel, found in cold cooked potatoes and rice, unripe bananas, legumes a certain types of corn.
Triglycerides…a type of fat found in the bloodstream.