Glossary

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Obesity

Obesity is excess body fat, and is linked to many health risks. In children and adolescents obesity is measured by a BMI for age at or above the 95th percentile. In adults, obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30. Obesity is a major risk factor for diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and other breathing problems, some cancers such as breast and endometrial cancer and mental health problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids

These fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid that we get from food. These are known to help in lowering blood cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy that causes itching, tingling and irritation in the mouth and throat. Various kinds of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices can cause OAS.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This test is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. During this test, you consume a glucose drink on an empty stomach and then your blood glucose levels are measured. Your blood will be tested before and 2 hours after consuming the drink to see how well your body was able to break down and use glucose.

Organic foods

Organic foods are grown and harvested without the use of synthetic (man-made) pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and/or growth hormones. These foods come from farms that meet the standards set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Osteoarthritis

A type of arthritis that affects the cartilage that cushions your bones at the joints. Cartilage helps your bones glide over one another. If cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together. Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long lasting) condition.

Osteoarthritis

A common joint problem. This chronic disease causes the cartilage between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis

“Osteo” means “bone”, and “porosis” means porous. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones have become thin and week instead of being strong and dense.

Oxalate

an organic molecule that is naturally found in many vegetables, fruit and nuts. Common sources of oxalate include spinach, rhubarb, beets, peanuts, almonds, soybeans, tofu and black tea.