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Vegetables and Fruit...The Invite Us Along! Campaign |
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Active livingA way of life in which physical activity is valued and integrated into the daily routine.
AllergyAn unusual immune reaction to a normally harmless substance such as some components of food.
AntioxidantThe exact meaning is "against oxygen". Antioxidants help to prevent cancer, heart disease, cataracts and help improve the immune system by getting rid of free radicals in the body. Beta-carotene is an example of an antioxidant.
Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene or ß-carotene is an antioxidant that can be found in yellow, orange, and green leafy vegetables and fruit. This includes carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash. As a rule of thumb, the greater the intensity of the colour of the vegetable or fruit, the more beta-carotene it contains.
BiotechnologyThe science that is used to modify or change the genes of plants or animals and create new characteristics.
Body imageHow we think we look and how we think others see us.
CalciumA mineral that is an important part of a healthy diet. Milk and milk products are a rich source of calcium. Other good sources include seaweed, nuts, beans, greens and fish.
CalorieA unit to measure the amount of energy we get from foods we eat. Calories come from protein, carbohydrate and fat.
Canada's Food GuideA tool that shows that different food groups are the basis of a healthy eating pattern. The Food Guide gives direction on which foods to emphasize and how to expand the range of foods to eat. For more information please visit Health Canada's website.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)An agency that delivers all federal inspection services related to food, animal health and plant protection. For more information please visit CFIA's website.
Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA)Canadian and International companies active in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables in Canada from the farm gate to the dinner plate. Involved in the distribution of domestically grown and imported produce. For more information please visit CPMA's website.
CarbohydrateA nutrient that provides the main source of energy (4 Calories per gram) to our muscles and brains. It is found mainly in grain products and in vegetables and fruit. Carbohydrates include sugars, starch and fibre in the food product.
CarcinogenA substance or agent that causes the development or increases the incidence of cancer.
CellThe basic structural unit of all living tissues.
CholesterolA fat like substance. Helps with digestion and absorption of fat but can also be converted to fat in the body. The body makes its own cholesterol (blood cholesterol) and there is also dietary cholesterol from the foods we eat. Cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin including egg yolks, meat, butter or lard. Too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Chronic diseaseA disease that develops slowly and lasts for a long period of time, often for the remainder of a lifetime. Examples are heart disease and diabetes.
Combination foodsFood made from two or more food groups, such as pizza, a tuna sandwich, carrot muffins and lasagna.
CuticleA natural wax-like coating applied to vegetables and fruit in order to protect them and keep them fresh longer.
EnergyThe ability of foods to maintain life and do work in the body. Energy is measured in Calories (Cal.) or kilojoules (kJ).
EnrichedThe addition of vitamins and minerals which may have been lost during processing to a food product.
FatA nutrient that gives the body energy (9 Calories per gram). Fat has many functions, including transporting nutrients and forming part of many body cells. Fat is found naturally in animal products (e.g., meat, cheese, milk) and vegetable oils. It is often added to food for flavour. See also saturated fat and trans fat.
FertilizerAny natural or chemical substance that is added to or dug into soil to improve the yield, size or quality of plants, especially food crops.
FibreA type of carbohydrate. The indigestible part of plant foods that helps to move food through the digestive tract. It is found in high amounts in whole-grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Fibre helps prevent constipation and bowel diseases, and helps to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
FolateFolate is an important vitamin, especially for women during early pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables are the best source. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Folic acidFolic acid is the man-made form of Folate. It is found in fortified foods and supplements. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Foods fortified with folic acid include white flour, bread, enriched pasta and enriched cornmeal.
Food additiveSubstances added to food for various reasons such as to slow food spoilage or to give flavour or colour.
Food Guide ServingA reference amount of food to help people understand how much food is recommended each day from each of the four food groups. The amount of food that a person eats at a meal or snack may be more or less than one Food Guide Serving.
Food labelFound on food packages. Gives information about the ingredients and nutrients that are in the food. Also gives the manufacturer's address.
FortifiedThe addition of specific nutrients that may be lacking naturally in the food people eat into a food product.
Free radicalWhen body cells burn oxygen, they form free radicals or oxygen by products. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light also cause free radicals to form in the body. Free radicals can damage body cells, tissues and DNA.
Genetic modificationChanging the genetic make-up of an organism by artificial means for the purpose of changing or adding new genetic traits.
GramA metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. A paperclip weighs about this much.
Healthier ChoicesA variety of nutrient-dense foods from each food group. Examples include whole grain cereals, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, lower fat milk products, leaner meats, beans and water.
HypertensionA condition in which resting blood pressure persistently exceeds 140 mm Hg systolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic.
IngredientParts in a mixture or recipe. They are listed on all food packages.
IronA mineral that helps carry oxygen to every body cell. Iron can be found in meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, spinach, tofu, chickpeas and strawberries.
KilojoulesThe metric form of Calorie. The short form that appears on food labels is kJ.
Less Healthy ChoicesFood and beverages that should be limited because they are high in calories, fat, sugar or salt (sodium). Examples include cakes and pastries, chocolate and candies, cookies and granola bars, doughnuts and muffins, ice cream and frozen desserts, french fries, potato chips, nachos and other salty snacks, alcohol, fruit flavoured drinks, soft drinks, sports and energy drinks and sweetened hot or cold drinks.
MineralNutrients needed by the body in very small amounts. They help the body in many ways such as building bones, teeth and muscles. Examples of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium.
ModerationTo use something in small quantities rather than in excess (e.g. to drink pop once a week instead of every day or to put a little bit of butter on your popcorn instead of a lot).
NutrientA chemical substance found in food that is used by the body for growth and health. Nutrients provide energy, serve as building material, and help maintain or repair body parts. The six nutrients are water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutrient densityA measure of the amount of nutrients per Calorie of food. The addition of a lot of fat or sugar decreases the nutrient density of the food by decreasing the amount of nutrients compared to the number of Calories in the food.
ObesityOne indicator is a Body Mass Index (weight (kg)/height (m)2 ) (BMI) of greater than 30. BMI is not a direct measure of body fat but it is the most widely investigated indicator of health risk associated with being overweight.
OrganicFarming methods that avoid the use of chemicals, pesticides, irradiation and genetic modification. Organic farming is a system of agriculture that uses methods that protect the soil, water and environment.
OxygenA tasteless, odourless, colourless gas. Oxygen is essential for human life.
OverweightOne indicator is a Body Mass Index (weight (kg)/height (m)2 ) (BMI) of 25.0 - 29.9. BMI is not a direct measure of body fat but it is the most widely investigated indicator of health risk associated with being overweight.
Percent Daily Value (%DV)Listed in the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods. It tells you if there is a lot or a little of a nutrient in one serving of a packaged food.
PesticidesChemicals used to control insects, diseases, weeds, fungi, and other pests on plants, vegetables, fruits, and animals.
Physical activityMovement of the body. Participating in a variety of endurance activities (for the heart, lungs and circulatory system), flexibility activities, and strength activities (for muscles, bones and posture) helps to keep the body healthy.
PhytochemicalsNon-nutritive plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing compounds. Phytochemicals are associated with reducing the risk of some chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and stroke. About 4000 phytochemicals have been identified so far.
PotassiumA mineral important for sending nerve impulses and balancing fluids in the body.
ProteinProvides energy for the body (4 Calories per gram) and is also used to build up and maintain the tissues throughout the body -muscles, organs and some hormones. It is found in milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
RecipeA list of ingredients and directions to make something (e.g. soup, cookies, pizza). Visit our recipe page for some delicious vegetable and fruit recipe ideas.
Recommended Daily IntakeThe average daily dietary intake of a nutrient that is sufficient to meet the requirements of nearly all healthy persons.
Saturated fatA type of fat found naturally in butter, cheese, whole milk and meat. Too much of this type of fat may raise blood cholesterol levels.
SodiumA mineral important for sending nerve impulses and balancing fluids outside of the cells.
StarchType of carbohydrate. Also called a complex carbohydrate.
SugarType of carbohydrate. This carbohydrate makes food taste sweet.
SupplementsA vitamin, mineral or other essential nutrient found in pill, powder or liquid form.
ToxicPoisonous; the amount of a substance that may be expected to cause a harmful effect on the body.
Trans fatsThese fats are found in vegetable oils that have been treated to stay solid or semi-solid at room temperature. These unhealthy fats are found in many processed foods like cookies, crackers and snack foods. Trans fats act like saturated fat in the body and may raise cholesterol levels.
UtensilsKitchen tools needed for carrying out the method of a recipe or for eating (e.g., measuring spoons, chop sticks, spatula, and fork).
VarietyChoosing many different kinds of foods prepared in different ways. Variety promotes an adequate intake of essential nutrients, the use of cuisines from different ethno-cultural groups, and the positive and pleasurable aspects of eating.
VitaminNutrients needed by the body in very small amounts (e.g., vitamin A and folic acid). They do many things to help the body grow and stay healthy.
Vitamin APromotes the growth and health of cells. Helps to protect against infections, helps with night and low light vision. Found in liver, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, red peppers, mango and kale.
Vitamin BThe B-complex vitamins are a family of nutrients with related roles in health. They include thiamin (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin, Vitamin B6, folic acid, Vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid. Although their functions are varied and unique most help your body produce energy within its cells.
Vitamin CActs as an antioxidant. Excellent food sources of vitamin C include artichoke, berries, jujube, watercress, papaya, oranges, okra, lime, lemon, grapefruit and peppers.
Vitamin DHelps the body absorb two minerals; calcium and phosphorus. Makes bones and teeth strong and healthy. The body can make it when exposed to sunlight. Also found in cheese, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals.
Vitamin EActs as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is found in nuts such as almonds and peanuts, whole grains, oils, and some fruits and vegetables including spinach, mangoes, turnip greens, broccoli, and kiwi.
WaterFluid that is essential for life. Much of the body is water; it carries the other nutrients to all parts of the body and carries waste from all parts of the body.
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