Glossary

P

Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in the body that is near the stomach. The pancreas is where the hormone insulin is made.

Pedometer

is a small device that is usually clipped onto your waistband. It counts the number of steps you take.

Pescetarian

A vegetarian-based diet that includes fish and seafood, but no meat or poultry.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to control insects, diseases, weeds, fungi and other pests on vegetables, fruit and animals. These can be natural or synthetic (human-made).

pH

A measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are compounds that are found naturally in plant foods such as vegetables and fruit. There are thousands of different types of phytochemicals such as lycopene (found in foods such as tomato products) and flavonoids (found in fruits, vegetables and beverages). Phytochemicals act as antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Phytoestrogen

naturally occurring compound found in plant products, such as whole grain cereals and soybeans. It acts like the hormone estrogen in the body.

Phytonutrient

These are compounds found naturally in plant-based foods. Research suggests phytonutrients have a beneficial health effect, protecting the body against certain diseases, like cancer.

Plant sterols

Plant sterols are natural substances found in very small amounts in plants. They are naturally found in foods like peanuts, almonds, wheat germ, canola oil and olive oil. Plant sterols help block cholesterol from being absorbed in the small intestine of the digestive system. In the right amounts, plant sterols can help lower cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Poaching (poach)

Cooks food gently in a liquid at a temperature below the boiling point. Look for the surface of the poaching liquid to show some movement. Seafood and poultry are good choices for poaching.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A condition caused by an imbalance of a woman’s sex hormones. It can lead to menstrual cycle changes, skin problems such as acne, increased hair growth on the face and body, cysts in the ovaries and trouble getting pregnant. It may also lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

Portion Size

A portion size is the amount of food that you put on your plate and that you plan to eat in one sitting. Depending on the food, your portion size may be one or more servings according to the Food Guide.

Prebiotic

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients (dietary fibre) that beneficially affect the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of bacteria (probiotics) in the colon.

Prediabetes

This is not an official type of diabetes but is used to describe blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but are not yet at diabetes levels. Also called impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. Having prediabetes increases your risk of developing diabetes.

Pre-eclampsia

A condition in pregnancy defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Generally preeclampsia causes only modest increases in blood pressure. Left untreated, however, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms that contribute to intestinal microbial balance. Probiotics may help keep your immune system healthy, as well as help shorten the duration of diarrhea, reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel disease.

Prostate cancer

A type of cancer that starts in the cells of the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It is the most common cancer in Canadian men.

Purging

Attempting to rid the body of unwanted food by using behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting or by abusing diet pills or laxatives.

Purine

It is a compound found in some protein-containing foods, such as shrimp, organ meat and fish, that may increase the symptoms of gout.