Health nutrition terms

Calorie

A unit of energy produced by food and used by the body

Nutrient

A substance in food that helps w body processes

Amino Acids

Building blocks that makeup proteins

Protein

A nutrient that is needed for growth, to build, repair, and maintain body tissues

Carbohydrates

A nutrient that is the primary source of energy for the body

Fiber

The part of grains and plant foods that cannot be digested

Herbal supplements

Supplements that contain extracts or ingredients and do not have to be proven safe by the FDA

Protein supplements

In pre-made drinks or powders

Vitamins

A water-soluble or fat-soluble supplement that helps the body use carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Mineral

A macro or trace nutrient that regulates chemical reactions in the body

Vegetarian diet

A diet where vegetables are the foundation

Lacto-vegetarian diet

A diet that excludes meat, eggs, fish, and poultry

Vegan diet

A diet that excludes foods of animal origin

Lacto-Ovo vegetarian

A diet that excludes fish, poultry, and red meat

Semi vegetarian

A diet that excludes red meat but includes other kinds of meats

Dietary guidelines

Recommendations for diet choices among healthy Americans who are two years of age or more

Cholesterol

A fat-like substance made by the body and is found in certain foods

Antioxidant

A substance that protects cells from being damaged by oxidation.

Cardiovascular disease

A disease of the heart and blood vessels and can be termed heart disease.

Atherosclerosis

A disease in which plaque deposits on artery walls and can lead to high blood pressure

Osteoporosis

A decrease in the density of bone and is related to the deficiency in calcium

Diabetes

A disease in which the body produces little or no insulin

Hypoglycemia

A condition in which the pancreas produces too much insulin

Food tolerance

An abnormal response to a food that is not caused by the immune system

Food allergy

An abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune system

Metabolism

The rate at which food is converted into energy in body cells

Mega-dosing

Taking vitamins in an excessive dose

Electrolyte

A nutrient that becomes electrically charged when it is a solution, such as bodily fluid.

Supplement

A substance that is added to the diet to increase the total dietary intake