Glossary of Terms
Carbohydrates: preferred fuel for the body.
Calorie: a unit that is used to measure energy. A calorie found in food is actually a kilocalorie (kcal). These particular calories provide energy in the form of heat so that our bodies can function.
Complete Proteins: contain all 9 essential amino acids (mostly animal products).
Complex Carbohydrates: have the potential to be stored in the body to be used at a later time. Starch, glycogen, and fiber are examples.
Dietary Guidelines: provide current nutrition and health recommendations for healthy children and adults of all ages.
Fats: the most “energy-rich” nutrient. Readily stored in adipose tissue.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K. They require fat to be absorbed and are not easily excreted. Can be stored in the body.
Incomplete Proteins: lack at least one essential amino acid (mostly plant-based foods).
Macronutrients: are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that provide the body with energy.
Major Minerals: Are needed in large amounts: >100 milligrams per day. Include calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and potassium.
Micronutrients: are vitamins and minerals which contribute to the regulation and overall wellbeing of bodily functions.
Minerals: Inorganic compounds that provide no direct energy. They play a critical role in nervous system functioning, other cellular processes, and water balance.
MyPlate: a framework provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which includes tips, ideas, and recommendations to create a healthy eating style. It can help find the right balance for you by including the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Nutrition: the science of food and how the body uses it in health and disease.
Proteins: the main structural material in the body. It is needed for the growth and repair of all cells.
Saturated Fats: mostly found in animal products. Try to limit to less than 10% daily calories.
Simple Carbohydrates: lack fiber and contain mostly sugar.
Trace Minerals: Daily requirements are less than 100 milligrams: copper, fluoride, iodide, iron, and zinc.
Trans Fat: chemically altered fat, which is often added to foods, fried, and processed.
Unsaturated Fats: found in plant-based products. They are liquid at room temperature.
Vitamins: Organic compounds that provide no direct energy. They enable chemical reactions to occur in the body.
Water Soluble Vitamins: B and C. They do not require fat to be absorbed and are easily excreted. Tend to be less toxic than the fat-soluble vitamins.