A-Z to Healthy Living
Nutrition Dictionary
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Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is commonly referred to as ‘bad fat’ because of its impact on blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are often solid at room temperature and are the type of fat predominantly found in meat and dairy foods and also in vegetable sources such as palm and coconut oil.
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Satiety
Satiety is the physiological feeling of satisfaction or fullness after a meal.
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Sugars
Also known as saccharides, sugars are the smallest form of carbohydrates. When we digest carbohydrate containing foods they are broken down into single sugars for absorption into the blood. Naturally occurring sugars include fructose (mostly found in fruits) and lactose in milk. Glucose is naturally present in certain fruits and honey and sucrose is found in sugar cane and sugar beet. Cakes, biscuits and soft drinks contain added sugars.
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Stevia
Stevia is a herb that’s 300 times sweeter than sugar. It’s used as a non-caloric food sweetener.
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Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that is a component of salt. While our body requires certain amount of sodium to maintain proper functioning, too much has been associated with increased blood pressure in some people.
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Soluble fiber
Soluble fibre is a type of dietary fibre that is thought to help in lowering cholesterol levels. Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fibre found in high amounts in oats and barley. Fruit and vegetables, dried beans and lentils are other sources of soluble fibre.
