Diet Terms I-N / Glossary

More Diet Terms I-N are explored here. They are by no means exhaustive and will be added to from time to time.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that effects the metabolism and several other body systems .Insulin causes most of the body's cells to take glucose from the blood and store it up as glycogen in the liver and muscle. It also prevents fat from being used as an energy source. When insulin is absent or low the body cells do not take up glucose and the body therefore begins to use the stored fat as an energy source.

Junk Food

Junk Food is food that is unhealthy and/or has little or no nutritional value. Junk food contains high levels of refined sugar, white flour, trans fat and polyunsaturated fat, salt, and numerous food additives such as monosodium glutamate and tartrazine; at the same time, it is lacking in proteins, vitamins and fiber, among other healthy attributes. It is popular with suppliers because it is relatively cheap to manufacture, has a long shelf life and may not require refrigeration. It is popular with consumers because it is easy to purchase, requires little or no preparation, is convenient to consume and has lots of flavor.

LDL

LDL - Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Large numbers of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) are associated with disease in the arteries and are therefore known as 'bad cholesterol'

Linoleic Acid (LA)

Linoleic acid (LA) is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is abundant in many vegetable oils, especially safflower and sunflower oils. Linoleic acid is a member of the group of essential fatty acids called omega-6 fatty acids, so called because they are an essential dietary requirement for all mammals. Omega-6 deficiency symptoms include dry hair, hair loss, and poor wound healing. It is easy to meet the daily requirement for these fatty acids (even for people consuming low fat diets) and most people get plenty of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet by consuming approximately a tablespoon of polyunsaturated plant oils per day.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are needed in relatively large quantities and provide bulk levels of energy. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are considered to be macronutrients.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are required in relatively small quantities. Vitamins and minerals are considered to be micronutrients

Minerals

Dietary Minerals are the chemical elements required by the body other than the four common elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen . Sometimes minerals are ingested as mineral dietary supplements, the most common being iodine in iodized salt. Appropriate intake levels of minerals are required to maintain good health. There are thirteen essential minerals.
  • 1. Calcium is needed for muscle, heart and digestive system health, builds bone, neutralizes acidity, supports synthesis and function of blood cells. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, calcium-fortified foods, canned fish with bones (salmon, sardines), and green leafy vegetables
  • 2. Chloride is a chemical the human body needs for metabolism (the process of turning food into energy). It also helps keep the body's acid-base balance. The amount of chloride in the blood is carefully controlled by the kidneys. Table salt is the main dietary source of chloride.
  • 3. Copper is an essential trace nutrient. In animals, including humans, it is found primarily in the bloodstream, as a co-factor in various enzymes, and in copper-based pigments. However, in sufficient amounts, copper can be poisonous and even fatal.
  • 4. Fluorine participates in formation of tooth enamel which contains fluoroapatite
  • 5. Iodine is necessary for proper production of thyroid hormone. Natural sources of iodine include sea life, such as kelp and certain seafood, as well as plants grown on iodine-rich soil.Salt for human consumption is often fortified with iodine and is referred to as iodized salt.Iodine deficiency gives rise to hypothyroidism, symptoms of which are extreme fatigue, goitre, mental slowing, depression, weight gain, and low basal body temperatures. Iodine deficiency is also the leading cause of preventable mental retardation,
  • 6. Iron is required for many proteins and enzymes, notably hemoglobin. Good sources of dietary iron include red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, leaf vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, fortified bread and breakfast cereals.
  • 7. Magnesium is a vital component of a healthy human diet and deficiency has been implicated in a number of human diseases. Magnesium is readily available in many common foods, Dietary sources include Nuts, soy beans, and cocoa.
  • 8. Manganese is an essential trace nutrient in all forms of life.The human body contains about 10 mg of manganese,which is stored mainly in liver & kidneys.
  • 9. Phosphorus is a component of bones and energy processing and many other functions.Phosphorus is a key element in all known forms of life.An average adult human contains a little less than 1 kg of phosphorus, about 85% of which is present in bones and teeth, and the remainder inside cells in soft tissues. A well-fed adult in the industrialized world consumes and excretes about 1-3 g of phosphorus per day in the form of phosphate.
  • 10.Potassium deficiency is rare in healthy individuals eating a balanced diet. Foods with high sources of potassium include orange juice, potatoes, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans and apricots, although it is also common in most fruits, vegetables and meats.Potassium chloride is used as a substitute for table salt by those seeking to reduce sodium intake so as to control hypertension. Good dietary sources of potassium include celery juice. Diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension
  • 11.Selenium, is toxic in large doses,however it is an essential micronutrient.Dietary selenium comes from nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. Brazil nuts are the richest ordinary dietary source. High levels are found in kidney, tuna, crab and lobster, in that order.
  • 12.Sodium-The human requirement for sodium in the diet is about 500 mg per day. Sodium is necessary for regulation of blood and body fluids, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity, and certain metabolic functions Most people consume far more sodium than is physiologically needed. For certain people with salt-sensitive blood pressure, this extra intake may cause a negative effect on health.. Dietary sources include table salt (sodium chloride, the main source), sea vegetables, milk, and spinach.
  • 13.Zinc is an essential element, necessary for sustaining all life. Zinc is found in oysters, and to a far lesser degree in most animal proteins, beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. A turkey's neck and beef's chuck or shank also contain significant amounts of zinc. Zinc deficiency occurs where insufficient zinc is available for metabolic needs. It is usually nutritional, but can also be associated with chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses.

Nutrient

A Nutrient is food or chemicals that is needed to live and grow. Organic nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins (or their building blocks, amino acids), and vitamins. Inorganic chemical compounds such as minerals; water and oxygen may also be considered nutrients. A nutrient is essential if it cannot be made by the body in sufficient quantities and must be obtained from an external source like food or supplements.

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