The total amount of sugars, including glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose. A sugar-heavy diet can cause metabolic dysfunctions.
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).
Lipids are essential for a healthy, balanced diet. They provide energy and also play a key role in the production of hormones and cell membranes, as well as in the absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins.
Saturated fats are the unhealthy fatty acids that produce bad cholesterol and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. They come in high amounts from meat and dairy products.
A form of unsaturated fat with one double bond in its structure. Unsaturated fats are usually healthy fatty acids, increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol.
A form of unsaturated fat with more than one double bond in its structure. Unsaturated fats are usually healthy fatty acids, increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and is commonly used to prevent viral infectious diseases.
Ribolflavin (vitamin B2) is one of the most important vitamins from the B complex series. It is necessary for breaking down carbohydrates and for processing amino acids and fats.
Niacin or vitamin B3 aids the body by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides (fat). Like other vitamins from the B complex series, it also helps convert carbohydrates into glucose.
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.
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.
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.
Alpha carotene is similar to beta carotene but is more effective in its role as an antioxidant. It helps maintaining healthy bones, skin and vision, as well as a strong immune system.