Catherine Saxelby's Foodwatch | Glossary

Stimulant found in coffee, tea, cola drinks and cocoa. Too much caffeine can be detrimental, causing insomnia, nervousness, upset stomach, frequent urination and irritability. Most people can handle 2 cups percolated or 4 cups instant coffee a day without ill-effect.

Essential mineral important for strong bones and teeth. Too little calcium results in rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Milk, yoghurt and cheese (both full-cream and skim) are rich sources.

Preservative that inhibits the growth of moulds in bread. Code no 282.

Starch, sugars and some components of fibre which are the body’s most important fuel. Sugars are the simplest form of carbohydrate; starches are complex carbohydrates which are broken down to sugars during digestion. Found in plant foods (grains, vegetables, fruit, beans, sugar and honey).

Starch, sugars and some components of fibre which are the body’s most important fuel. Sugars are the simplest form of carbohydrate; starches are complex carbohydrates which are broken down to sugars during digestion. Found in plant foods (grains, vegetables, fruit, beans, sugar and honey).

A group of 500 to 600 naturally occuring compounds which give fruit and vegetables their yellow-orange colour and act as anti-oxidants.

A group of four related compounds found in both green and black teas which act as antioxidants and are responsible for tea’s unique flavour and aroma.

Fat-like substance normally present in the blood which has many important roles. High blood cholesterol (over 5.5 millimoles per litre) is one of the risk factors for heart disease. It is made by our livers which accounts for approximately 75 per cent of the total cholesterol circulating in the blood.

Essential mineral required for Glucose Tolerance Factor, a compound which improves the action of insulin. Elderly people and adult diabetics have been reported low in chromium. Brewer's yeast, egg yolk, liver, cheese, lean beef and wine are good sources.

Sensitivity to gluten protein of wheat, rye, barley and oats, causing the small intestine to be unable to absorb food.