Healthy Eating jargon guide

The world of healthy eating revolves around words like carbohydrates and protein.

But what are they exactly? And how much should be on your plate at any given time?

Time to find out a little bit more.

CAFFEINE
A natural stimulant found in many common foods and drinks, including coffee and tea. A stimulant is a chemical which can speed up your reactions.

CALORIES
Energy is usually measured in calories. Basically it's a quantity of food capable of producing a certain amount of energy. It's measured in terms of heat. Also called kilocalorie or large calorie.

CARBOHYDRATES
Compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are used by the body as a fuel source. They divide into two main groups, sugars and starch.

DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

FAT
One of the major food groups and an important part of our diet. Fats come under a number of names - lipids and triglycerides are the most common. A high percentage of body fat is bad for you.

GLUCOSE
This is a simple sugar molecule occurring in many fruits, animal tissues and fluids which provides the basic fuel for the body.

LACTIC ACID
A liquid which is produced in muscles as a result of anaerobic training. It slows down the body if it builds up too much.

METABOLISM
The chemical reactions that go on in our bodies which affect the way we deal with food and turn it into energy.

OBESITY
A condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Linked to many health problems including heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

PROTEIN
An essential nutrient which gives you energy. Protein is found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and beans.

RDA
Recommended daily allowance. The amount of food and proteins recommended to be eaten in one day.

VITAMINS
Essential nutrients for human beings. They're only required in small amounts and are important to growth and development. They don't produce energy.

WATER
A tasteless liquid which is essential to human life and the most widely used of all liquids, solvents.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/health_and_fitness/4292910.stm

Published: 2005/09/29 14:22:37 GMT

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