A group of compunds that serve as the building blocks from which protein and muscle are made.
Antioxidants
Small compounds that minimize tissue oxidation and help control free radicals and their negative effects.
Calories
The unit for measuring the energy value of foods.
Carbohydrates
Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are a very effective fuel source for the body. The different types of carbohydrates include starches, sugars and fibers. Contains 4 calories per gram.
Glucose
The simplest sugar molecule. It is also the main sugar found in blood, used by every cell in the body as fuel.
Cholesterol
A type of fat that is a vital component in the production of many hormones in the body. The two most common types are HDL (good) and LDL (bad).
Essential Fatty Acids
Fats our bodies can't make, so we must obtain them through our diets. These fats are very important to hormone production and cellular synthesis.
Fat
One of the macronutrients. It contains 9 calories per gram. There are two types, saturated and unsaturated.
Fructose
The main type of sugar found in fruit.
Glycogen
The principal stored form of carbohydrate energy (glucose), which is reserved in muscles.
Metabolism
The use of nutrients by the body.
Minerals
Naturally occuring, inorganic substances that are essential for human life, which play a role in many vital metabolic processes.
Nutrients
Components of food that help nourish the body; they provide energy or serve as building blocks. These include carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, etc.
Proteins
The building blocks of muscle, enzymes, and some hormones. They are made up of amino acids and are essential for growth and repair in the body. A gram of protein contains 4 calories.
Supplement
This is a term used to describe a preparation such as a tablet, pill, liquid or powder that contains nutrients. Supplements are used to help you achieve optimal nutrient intake.
Vitamins
Organic compounds that are vital to life and bodily function.
