Glossary
Looking for more information? Browse our glossary for health and nutrition related words and terms to keep you in the know!
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- Caffeine
- Description:
This chemical acts as a stimulant and diuretic (increases urine flow). It is found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans (chocolate) and kola nuts (cola) and added to soft drinks, foods, and medicines. - Calcium
- Description:
This is the most important mineral for building bone density, preventing bone loss and treating osteoporosis. Calcium also regulates your heartbeat, helps with blood clotting and makes your muscles contract. Milk products, fortified soy beverages, dark leafy green vegetables, and almonds are all sources of calcium. - Carbohydrate
- Description:
One of the three macronutrients, along with protein and fat, that supplies energy (calories) to the body. There are three categories of carbohydrates: sugars, starch and fiber. - Cardiovascular disease (aka Heart Disease)
- Description:
A disease of the heart or blood vessels. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, but other forms include angina (chest pain), arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) and atherosclerosis (blocked arteries). - Carotenoids
- Description:
are a family of pigmented compounds found in plants. Six that are prevalent in North American diets include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. - Chiropodist and Podiatrist
- Description:
Health care professionals who specialize in the study, treatment and care of the feet. - Cholesterol
- Description:
This is the most common type of steroid in the body and is made by the liver. It is present in every cell in the body and in many foods. Some cholesterol in the blood is necessary, but a high level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to health problems. - Complementary Feeding
- Description:
is defined as the process starting when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore other foods and liquids are needed, along with breast milk. The target age range for complementary feeding is generally taken to be 6 to 24 months of age, even though breastfeeding may continue beyond two years - Constipation
- Description:
Is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. - Cross-contamination
- Description:
Is the transfer of harmful substances from one food to another during storage or preparation that may cause illness. To avoid this, keep raw foods such as meat, poultry and seafood and their juices separate from other raw or cooked foods; and wash your hands, food preparation surfaces and utensils properly while working with food.