Glossary definitions

Anaemia

a condition characterised by a reduced ability of the body to deliver oxygen to the cells due to a lack of healthy red blood cells.

Antioxidant

A component in food that neutralises freed radicals

Cartilage

Connective tissue that protects and cushions the joints, and provides structure and support to various body tissues

Cholesterol

A type of fat required for optimal functioning of the body that in excess can lead to a range of health outcomes

Commercial factors

Conditions, actions and policies of corporate organisations that impact health and wellbeing either positively or negatively

Dental caries

Decay of teeth caused by a breakdown in tissues that make up the tooth

Discretionary foods

Food or drinks, not necessary to provide the nutrients the body needs, but that may add variety. However many are high in kilojules and energy dense.

Food insecurity

The limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate and safe foods.

Fortified

When a nutrient has been artificially added to food to increase its nutritional value

Free radicals

Molecules formed when oxygen is metabolised which can damage healthy body cells and increase the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease

Glycaemic Index

A scale from 0 to 100 indicating the effect on blood glucose of foods containing carbohydrates

Haemoglobin

A component of blood, largely consisting of iron and protein that transports oxygen around the body

Kilojule

A unit for measuring energy intake or expenditure

Macronutrient

Nutrient that is required by the body in large amounts.

Micronutrient

Nutrient that is required by the body in small amounts

Metabolism

A collection of chemical reactions that take place in the body’s cells. It converts the fuel in the food we eat into energy

Osteoporosis

A condition characteristed by a reduction in bone mass that makes bones more likely to break and fracture

Peak bone mass

The maximum bone mass reached in early adulthood

Protective nutrient

Any nutrient that acts to protect a person from a certain condition

Risk nutrient

Any nutrient that increases the chance of developing a certain condition

Role model

A person whose behaviour can be emulated by others, especially by younger people

Sociocultural factors

The social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age

Soft tissue

Organs in the body that connect, support or surround other structures

Hard tissue

Tissue in the body that forms hard substances such as bones, teeth and cartilage.