Glossary

Antioxidant: Antioxidants are chemical substances that help protect against cell damage from free radicals. Well known antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids.

Cardiovascular: Anything that relates to the heart, lungs and blood-vessels. The fitter your heart and lungs, the fitter you are.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an essential fat-like substance that is found in certain foods and is also produced in the body. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in different packages called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) deliver cholesterol to the body, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good" cholesterol) take cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be unhealthy; it builds up in the artery wall and can lead to the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease.

Folic Acid: Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folate is essential for normal cell division and in the formation of blood cells. It is needed for the normal structure of the nervous system and specifically in the development of the neural tube (which develops into the spine and skull) in the developing embryo.

Free Radicals: Highly reactive molecules capable of causing cell damage. Free radicals are common by-products of normal chemical reactions occurring in cells. They are an essential part of a normal healthy immune system. However high levels of free radicals can cause cell damage.

Heart Disease: A term to describe many heart disorders, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and clogging of the arteries.

Niacin: Niacin, when given as a medicine (nicotinic acid), improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood. It helps to maintain the nervous system and reduces high blood pressure.

Polyphenols: Compounds found in many plant foods that are known to have antioxidant activity which may help our bodies fight the damage caused by free radicals.

Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral needed to regulate water balance, levels of acidity and blood pressure.

Superfoods: Superfoods are packed with nutrients to help reduce the risk of disease and  boost your energy levels and help keep you healthy as part of a balanced diet.

Systolic blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure measures the maximum pressure in the arteries during the cardiac cycle, which occurs when the heart contracts, or beats, to pump blood.

Vitamins: Vitamins are key nutrients that the body needs in very small amounts to grow and stay strong. They also play important metabolic roles. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E.