Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments found in certain plants. Carotenoids provide the bright red, orange, or yellow coloration of many vegetables, serve as antioxidants, and can be a source for vitamin A activity.

A milk protein sometimes used in otherwise non-dairy products like soymilk, soy cheese and non-dairy creamer. Many soy cheeses contain casein, which may be problematic to those with dairy sensitivities. Always read labels.

These flavonoids, or potent antioxidants, found in green tea, are cancer inhibitors, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Material derived from the bodies of insects.

See Vitamin D.

May be one of two different types:

a) Blood cholesterol is a fatty substance normally produced by the body and carried by the blood. There are two different types: LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). High levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood are risk factors for heart disease and atherosclerosis.

b) Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal foods (offal, fatty meats and poultry, eggs, full fat milk, full fat cheese etc.). The potential for dietary cholesterol to raise blood cholesterol is much less than the"saturated fat" (see below) in food that has the most powerful effect on raising blood cholesterol.

Chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 63% of all deaths. (http://www.who.int/topics/chronic_diseases/en/).

Butter that has been processed to remove milk solids, widely used in Indian cookery. Also known as ghee.

See Vitamin B12.

A red food colouring added to food products such as sweets and yoghurts, made from the crushed bodies of an insect. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. May be listed in ingredients as E120.

A person who is gluten intolerant. Coeliacs must be careful to avoid all gluten and wheat sources in their diet, which includes barley, rye, cous cous, malt, as well as some soya sauces, soft drinks and soft cheeses. (See gluten)

Rather than using solvents, this chemical-free process uses pressure at low temperatures. The resulting oil has higher levels of some nutrients. Cook with cold-pressed oils to increase food's nutritional value and replace petroleum-based skincare products with cold-pressed plant oils to moisturize skin.

Copper is a trace element that is essential for most animals, including humans. It is needed to absorb and utilize iron. The influence of copper upon health is due to the fact that it is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in all cells. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage, and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron-deficiency anemia. Copper may be absorbed by both the stomach and small-intestinal mucosa, with most absorbed by the small intestine. Copper is found in the blood bound to proteins.

Rich in antioxidants, members of this vegetable family, including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips, may protect against cancer and boost immunity.

The amount of a food or beverage product that is considered equal to 1 cup from the vegetables, fruits, or dairy food groups. A cup-eq for some foods or beverages may differ from a measured cup in volume because the foods have been concentrated (such as raisins or tomato paste), the foods are airy in their raw form and do not compress well into a cup (such as salad greens), or the foods are measured in a different form (such as cheese).