FOOD GLOSSARY: Explanations and Definitions
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a combination of wheat and rye). It acts as a "glue" in foods such as cereal, bread, and pasta, helping them hold their shape.
Gluten intolerance (referred to medically as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is suffered by an estimated 18 million people in the U.S. in some form or another. It mainly manifests itself with symptoms such as bloating or gas, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, "brain fog," and itchy skin rash. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is different than the more serious form of gluten intolerance known as Celiac Disease, which triggers an autoimmune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine, effectively leaving the body unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream (which can lead to anemia, delayed growth, and weight loss). Around 1 in 133 people in the U.S., have celiac disease. For celiacs, a gluten-free diet means avoiding all foods that contain the protein, even in the smallest amounts.
Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms.
GMOs (genetically modified organisms), are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques.
Irradiation is the process in which radiant energy (electrons, gamma rays, or x-rays) breaks chemical bonds in food, leaving the food product still like-fresh, but with specific benefits (such as the elimination of harmful bacteria) that help prevent foodborne illness.
Natural foods are minimally synthesized and have minimal artificial ingredients added. The “natural” label refers to the ingredients in the product, not food production or processing methods. Thus, many foods labeled natural may still be processed using thermal technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation in order to destroy microbial activity and help prevent food borne illness.
Organic foods are grown, produced and processed without the use of toxic chemicals, antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, artificial colors, artificial flavors, GMO’s, or other artificial processes such as irradiation. Food certified as Organic must also adhere to stringent regulation in order to guarantee it was produced in a manner that protects natural resources and conserves biodiversity.
Super Foods - The Macmillan Dictionary defines "superfood" as "a food that is considered to be very good for your health and that may even help some medical conditions".[5] The Oxford Dictionary definition states a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being".[6]
Thermal Processing’s basic purpose is to reduce or destroy microbial and enzyme activity in foods, and to produce physical or chemical changes to make food meet an accepted quality standard.
Vegan foods contain no animal products whatsoever. No meats, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey or any other product which may come from an animal or animal ingredient.
Vegetarian food is any food that contains no meat, poultry or seafood, although it may possibly contain other animal products such as eggs, honey or dairy.
Gluten intolerance (referred to medically as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is suffered by an estimated 18 million people in the U.S. in some form or another. It mainly manifests itself with symptoms such as bloating or gas, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, "brain fog," and itchy skin rash. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is different than the more serious form of gluten intolerance known as Celiac Disease, which triggers an autoimmune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine, effectively leaving the body unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream (which can lead to anemia, delayed growth, and weight loss). Around 1 in 133 people in the U.S., have celiac disease. For celiacs, a gluten-free diet means avoiding all foods that contain the protein, even in the smallest amounts.
Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms.
GMOs (genetically modified organisms), are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques.
Irradiation is the process in which radiant energy (electrons, gamma rays, or x-rays) breaks chemical bonds in food, leaving the food product still like-fresh, but with specific benefits (such as the elimination of harmful bacteria) that help prevent foodborne illness.
Natural foods are minimally synthesized and have minimal artificial ingredients added. The “natural” label refers to the ingredients in the product, not food production or processing methods. Thus, many foods labeled natural may still be processed using thermal technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation in order to destroy microbial activity and help prevent food borne illness.
Organic foods are grown, produced and processed without the use of toxic chemicals, antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, artificial colors, artificial flavors, GMO’s, or other artificial processes such as irradiation. Food certified as Organic must also adhere to stringent regulation in order to guarantee it was produced in a manner that protects natural resources and conserves biodiversity.
Super Foods - The Macmillan Dictionary defines "superfood" as "a food that is considered to be very good for your health and that may even help some medical conditions".[5] The Oxford Dictionary definition states a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being".[6]
Thermal Processing’s basic purpose is to reduce or destroy microbial and enzyme activity in foods, and to produce physical or chemical changes to make food meet an accepted quality standard.
Vegan foods contain no animal products whatsoever. No meats, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey or any other product which may come from an animal or animal ingredient.
Vegetarian food is any food that contains no meat, poultry or seafood, although it may possibly contain other animal products such as eggs, honey or dairy.
