Cholesterol is a lipid essential for producing hormones and takes two forms: LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, good cholesterol. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) removes LDL from the arteries and carries it to the liver to be broken down.
Dietary fiber, also called roughage, is present in plants, in soluble or insoluble form. Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains rich in fiber helps the digestion process.
The amount of food energy in kilocalories (kcal) per 100g. The minimum daily requirement is approximately 1,800 kcal (according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
The amount of food energy in kiloJoules (kJ) per 100g. The minimum daily requirement is approximately 7,500 kJ (according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
The total amount of sugars, including glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose. A sugar-heavy diet can cause metabolic dysfunctions.
Fructose, also called fruit sugar, is a monosaccharide which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Consuming too much fructose can cause high blood pressure.
Magnesium is an important mineral for bone development and helps the proper functioning of various metabolic processes, like activating the enzymes that help in energy production.
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral found in the human body, after calcium. It helps cellular reproduction and contributes to the growth and repair of tissues.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is important for maintaining the health of the nervous system. It works closely with folate (vitamin B9) in the production of red blood cells and the processing of iron.
The added amount of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is a synthetic form of the natural vitamin E that is added to foods to increase their nutritional value.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily important for maintaining healthy vision. It also acts as an antioxidant and is important for the health of teeth, bones, soft tissues and skin. RAE (Retinol Activity Equivalent) is the unit of measurement the scientific community prefers.
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that comes in various forms. It is primarily important in maintaining healthy vision and the development of bones, soft tissues and skin. IU (International Units) is the unit of measurement that almost all food labels use.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) contributes to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides (fat) in the body. Like all B vitamins, it is involved in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. It also contributes to maintaining the health of the nervous system.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. It's essential for absorbing vitamin B12 and takes part in the production of red blood cells, various cells of the immune system and in the formation of myelin, which protects nerve cells from damage.
Leucine is an essential amino acid for adipose, muscle and liver tissues. It stimulates protein synthesis, protecting muscles from stress and is important for regulating blood sugar and stimulating insulin release, which is important for building muscles.
Histidine, an essential amino acid, helps to maintain myelin sheaths, which is mainly needed to protect nerve cells, helps to remove heavy metals from the system, to promote lung health, lower blood pressure and protect the body from radiation damage.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body needs for growth, for creating the sleep hormone melatonin, the neurotransmitter serotonin and for the synthesis of vitamin B3.
Threonine is an essential amino acid that helps promote normal growth of the body. It also helps various systems in the body like cardiovascular, liver, nervous and immune system.
Isoleucine is an essential amino acid, important for the the synthesis of hemoglobin, the regulation and stabilization of blood sugars and energy levels, and tissue repair.
Apigenin is a bioflavonoid compound found in plants and herbs, especially in chamomile plants. It has anxiety reducing and mild sedative effects, as well as antioxidant properties.
Kaempferol is a bioflavonoid found in many plants. It has antioxidant properties and is currently being used in cancer research, as it is thought to reduce the risk of various cancers.
Myricetin is a bioflavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as in red wine. It has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and can potentially protect cells from carcinogenic mutations.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in many plants and grains, known for its positive effects on the immune system and for its antioxidant properties. It often used in treating allergies.
Daidzin is an isoflavone compound found in vegetables and legumes, especially soy and soybeans. It stimulates the formation of bone mass and helps regulate estrogen levels.