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There are 29 entries in this glossary.
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Term Definition
Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates, made up of multiple sugar molecules. Examples of polysaccharides include cellulose, starch, and dextrin.

Polyunsaturated Fat

This type of fat is liquid at room temperature. There are two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in liquid vegetable oils, such as corn oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil. Omega-3 fatty acids come from plant sources?including canola oil, flaxseed, soybean oil, and walnuts?and from fish and shellfish.

 

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Pufas)

Fatty acids that have two or more double bonds and are usually liquid at room temperature. Primary sources are vegetable oils and some nuts and seeds. PUFAs provide essential fats such as?n-3 and?n-6 fatty acids.

Portion Size

The amount of a food served or eaten in one occasion. A portion is not a standard amount. The amount of food it includes may vary by person and occasion [see serving size].

 

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral found in a lot of foods. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, vine fruits (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and pumpkin), and root vegetables (such as potatoes with skins). Potassium is also moderately abundant in beans and peas, tree fruits (such as apples, oranges and bananas), milks and yoghurts, and meats. Potassium helps with muscle and nervous system function. It also plays a role in helping the body maintain the balance of water in the blood and body tissues.

 

Prebiotics

These soluble fiber and antioxidant compounds support probiotic numbers in your gut. By encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, prebiotics make probiotics more effective. They can also enhance calcium and magnesium absorption. Some prebiotic-rich food options are whole-wheat products, fresh herbs, peanuts, barley, beans, bananas, asparagus, cherries, eggplant, peas, onions, tea, and oats. See also Probiotics and Synbiotics.

 

Prehypertension

See High Blood pressure.

 

Preservatives

Preservatives keep foods fresh and inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, or molds. Look for products with natural preservatives, like rosemary, vitamin E, vitamin C, citrus, honey and essential oils, which replace synthetic ingredients to maintain food's freshness. Vitamin E may appear on labels as alpha tocopherol and vitamin C under the name ascorbic acid. Preservatives like sulfites can cause allergic reactions, and others like BHT and BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses Nitrites, used to preserve meats like ham, bacon, salami, and hot dogs, have been linked to cancer. The 'American Institute for Cancer Research' recommends eliminating all nitrite-preserved meats from your diet to avoid harmful preservatives. And note that even naturally preserved meats contain nitrates and nitrites.

 

Probiotics

These strains of beneficial bacteria reestablish healthy intestinal flora in the human body. By taking up room and resources in the digestive tract, probiotics protect the digestive tract from unhealthy microbes. Common strains include Bifidobacteria infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Look for cultured foods, like yogurt, cheese, tofu, and cottage cheese, or incorporate probiotics into your diet with supplements. See also Prebiotics and Synbiotics.

 

Processed Meat And Processed Poultry

All meat or poultry products preserved by smoking, curing, salting, and/or the addition of chemical preservatives. Processed meats and poultry include all types of meat or poultry sausages (bologna, frankfurters, luncheon meats and loaves, sandwich spreads, viennas, chorizos, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, and summer sausages), bacon, smoked or cured ham or pork shoulder, corned beef, pastrami, pig?s feet, beef jerky, marinated chicken breasts, and smoked turkey products.

Progression

The process of increasing the intensity, duration, frequency, or amount of activity or exercise as the body adapts to a given activity pattern.

Propolis

A substance used by bees in the construction of the hive. Propolis is sometimes incorporated into health and beauty products.

Protein

One of the nutrients that provide calories to the body. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build many parts of the body, including blood, bone, muscle, and skin. Protein provides 4 calories per gram and is found in foods like beans, dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, nuts, poultry, and tofu.

 

Protein Quality

See Essential Amino Acids.