Catherine Saxelby's Foodwatch | Glossary

A B vitamin involved in the release of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat. Deficiency is rare, as it is found in a wide range of foods.

(PABA) A growth factor for bacteria and fungi, but is not essential for humans. PABA occurs in yeast, wheatgerm, vegetables, liver and meat.

Essential mineral which is needed for bones and teeth. It plays a role in energy reactions and is a component of protein, B group vitamins and genetic material. Phosphorus occurs in most foods.

Biologically-active substances found in all plant foods (‘phyto’ means plant) which can function as anti-oxidants and help protect against many health problems. Includes the carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, salicylates, isoflavonoids, lignans, indoles and isothiocyanates, triterpenoids and curcumin.

Substances present in plants with a chemical structure remarkably close to that of the human hormone oestrogen. Although not as strong, they are able to mimic the effect of human oestrogen and can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and protect against heart disease and cancer.

Fats with two or more unsaturated chemical bonds in their structure. Two types occur — omega-3 in fish, canola and flaxseed and omega-6 in oils (sunflower, safflower, maize, cottonseed) and polyunsaturated margarines.

The predominant mineral in all body cells. Together with sodium, it maintains the electrical differential of the cell membrane and so controls the working of muscles and nerves. Nearly all foods contain potassium Vegetables, nuts, fruit and fruit juices rate highly.

Substances able to slow the spoilage of food. The earliest preservatives were salt, vinegar, saltpetre, alcohol and sugar. Chemical preservatives act in a similar fashion and include sorbic acids, propionic acids, benzoates, sulphur dioxide, nitrates and nitrites.

A preparation of live microbes which helps restore the balance of microbes in our intestine and can have a beneficial effect on diarrhoea,immunity, and cancer.

See Vitamin B6.