IELTS Vocabulary List: Health & Diet
Calorie
Explanation: A unit of energy that measures the amount of energy food provides.
Example: Counting calories helps people manage their weight.
Metabolism
Explanation: The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Example: Regular exercise can boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories.
Carbohydrates
Explanation: Nutrients that provide energy, found in foods like bread, rice, and potatoes.
Example: Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet.
Protein
Explanation: Nutrients essential for the building and repair of body tissues.
Example: Lean meats, beans, and nuts are good sources of protein.
Fat
Explanation: A macronutrient that provides energy and supports cell growth.
Example: Healthy fats, like those found in avocados and olive oil, are beneficial for heart health.
Vitamins
Explanation: Organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts for body functioning.
Example: Vitamin C is important for immune system support and is found in citrus fruits.
Minerals
Explanation: Inorganic elements that are essential for the body's processes.
Example: Calcium is a mineral that is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Fiber
Explanation: Plant-based nutrients that help with digestion and prevent constipation.
Example: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber.
Antioxidants
Explanation: Compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals.
Example: Berries are high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
Hydration
Explanation: The process of maintaining adequate fluid levels in the body.
Example: Proper hydration is essential for bodily functions and can be maintained by drinking water throughout the day.
Cholesterol
Explanation: A waxy substance found in your blood that is needed to build healthy cells.
Example: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Explanation: A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Example: A BMI within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.
Ketosis
Explanation: A metabolic state where the body uses fat as its primary energy source instead of carbohydrates.
Example: The ketogenic diet aims to induce ketosis for weight loss and health benefits.
Probiotics
Explanation: Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system.
Example: Yogurt contains probiotics that can help maintain gut health.
Superfood
Explanation: Nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
Example: Kale is a superfood that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Detox
Explanation: The process of removing toxic substances from the body.
Example: Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet can help the body's natural detox process.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Explanation: Essential fats that have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation.
Example: Fish like salmon and flaxseeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Glycemic Index
Explanation: A ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels.
Example: Foods with a low glycemic index, like lentils, help manage blood sugar levels.
Paleo Diet
Explanation: A diet based on the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans.
Example: The paleo diet includes foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, but excludes dairy and processed foods.
Vegan
Explanation: A diet that excludes all animal products.
Example: A vegan diet can be healthy if it includes a variety of whole foods to ensure proper nutrition.
Intermittent Fasting
Explanation: An eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.
Example: Intermittent fasting can help improve metabolism and support weight loss.
Gluten
Explanation: A protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause health issues for some people.
Example: People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet.
Micronutrients
Explanation: Essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, required by the body in small amounts.
Example: Micronutrients are crucial for maintaining health and preventing diseases.
Macronutrients
Explanation: Nutrients required in large amounts for energy and bodily functions, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Example: Balancing macronutrients in your diet is important for overall health.
Dietary Supplement
Explanation: A product taken orally that contains nutrients to supplement the diet.
Example: Many people take a daily multivitamin as a dietary supplement.
Whole Foods
Explanation: Foods that are not processed or refined and are free from additives or other artificial substances.
Example: Whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are essential for a healthy diet.
Processed Foods
Explanation: Foods that have been altered from their natural state, often for convenience.
Example: Processed foods typically contain added sugars, salts, and fats.
Trans Fats
Explanation: A type of unhealthy fat that can increase the risk of heart disease.
Example: Trans fats are commonly found in fried foods and baked goods.
Saturated Fats
Explanation: Fats that are typically solid at room temperature and can raise cholesterol levels.
Example: Saturated fats are found in foods like butter, cheese, and red meat.
Unsaturated Fats
Explanation: Healthy fats that can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Example: Olive oil and avocados are good sources of unsaturated fats.
Dietary Fiber
Explanation: Plant-based carbohydrates that cannot be digested and help regulate the body's use of sugars.
Example: Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can be found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Phytochemicals
Explanation: Compounds produced by plants that have various health benefits.
Example: Phytochemicals in broccoli have been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer.
Calcium
Explanation: A mineral essential for bone health and other bodily functions.
Example: Dairy products like milk and cheese are rich in calcium.
Iron
Explanation: A mineral important for the production of hemoglobin in the blood.
Example: Leafy greens and red meat are good sources of iron.
Magnesium
Explanation: A mineral that supports muscle and nerve function and energy production.
Example: Nuts, seeds, and whole grains are high in magnesium
Vitamin D
Explanation: A vitamin that is important for bone health and immune function.
Example: Sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, and it can also be found in fortified foods
Folate (Folic Acid)
Explanation: A B-vitamin important for cell growth and metabolism.
Example: Leafy green vegetables and beans are excellent sources of folate.
Vitamin B12
Explanation: A vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells and DNA.
Example: Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products like meat, fish, and eggs.
Zinc
Explanation: A mineral important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Example: Shellfish, meat, and legumes are good sources of zinc.
Probiotic
Explanation: Live beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health.
Example: Probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurt can enhance digestive health.
Prebiotic
Explanation: Non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Example: Foods like garlic, onions, and bananas are rich in prebiotics.
Ketogenic Diet
Explanation: A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to induce ketosis.
Example: The ketogenic diet is used by some people for weight loss and to manage epilepsy.
Dietary Guidelines
Explanation: Recommendations made by health authorities about what constitutes a healthy diet.
Example: Following dietary guidelines helps individuals make informed food choices for better health.
Food Pyramid
Explanation: A visual representation of the ideal proportions of different food groups in a healthy diet.
Example: The food pyramid emphasizes a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.
MyPlate
Explanation: A modern guide created by the USDA to help people create healthy eating habits.
Example: MyPlate suggests filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Balanced Diet
Explanation: A diet that includes a variety of foods in the right proportions to provide necessary nutrients.
Example: A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.
Portion Control
Explanation: Managing the amount of food consumed in one sitting to maintain a healthy weight.
Example: Practicing portion control can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Mindful Eating
Explanation: Paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body.
Example: Mindful eating can help improve digestion and prevent overeating.
Empty Calories
Explanation: Calories from food that provide energy but little to no nutritional value.
Example: Sugary drinks and snacks often contain empty calories.
Blood Sugar
Explanation: The concentration of glucose in the blood, crucial for energy.
Example: Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for managing diabetes.
Glycemic Load
Explanation: A measure that takes into account the amount of carbohydrate in a portion of food along with its glycemic index.
Example: Foods with a low glycemic load help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Detox Diet
Explanation: A diet aimed at removing toxins from the body.
Example: A detox diet typically includes drinking plenty of water and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.
Whole30
Explanation: A 30-day dietary program designed to eliminate certain food groups to improve health.
Example: The Whole30 diet excludes sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy.
Raw Food Diet
Explanation: A diet consisting primarily of uncooked and unprocessed foods.
Example: Advocates of the raw food diet believe it preserves nutrients that are lost during cooking.
Juicing
Explanation: The process of extracting juice from fresh fruits and vegetables.
Example: Juicing can be a way to increase nutrient intake, but it should not replace whole foods.
Superfoods
Explanation: Nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
Example: Blueberries, spinach, and quinoa are often categorized as superfoods.
Orthorexia
Explanation: An unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy.
Example: Orthorexia can lead to malnutrition if the diet becomes too restrictive.
Macrobiotic Diet
Explanation: A diet based on balancing the yin and yang elements of food and predominantly includes grains and vegetables.
Example: The macrobiotic diet emphasizes whole grains, local vegetables, and avoiding processed foods.
Flexitarian
Explanation: A diet that is primarily vegetarian but occasionally includes meat or fish.
Example: A flexitarian diet can provide flexibility while still focusing on plant-based nutrition.
DASH Diet
Explanation: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; a diet designed to lower blood pressure.
Example: The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Mediterranean Diet
Explanation: A diet inspired by the eating habits of Mediterranean countries, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Example: The Mediterranean diet is known for its heart health benefits.
Pescatarian
Explanation: A person who does not eat meat but does eat fish.
Example: A pescatarian diet includes fish as the main source of protein, along with plant-based foods.
Food Sensitivity
Explanation: Adverse reactions to certain foods that do not involve the immune system.
Example: Common food sensitivities include lactose and gluten
Allergen
Explanation: A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Example: Peanuts are a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in some people.
Nutritious
Explanation: Providing necessary nutrients for good health and growth.
Example: Nutritious foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Dietitian
Explanation: A healthcare professional who specializes in human nutrition and diet regulation.
Example: A dietitian can help create a personalized nutrition plan to meet health goals.
Meal Planning
Explanation: The process of organizing meals ahead of time.
Example: Meal planning can help ensure a balanced diet and save time during the week.
Functional Foods
Explanation: Foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.
Example: Functional foods like fortified cereals can provide additional health benefits.
Food Label
Explanation: Information on packaged food that indicates nutritional content and ingredients.
Example: Reading food labels helps consumers make informed choices about their diet.
Sodium
Explanation: A mineral that helps control fluid balance and is necessary for muscle and nerve function.
Example: High sodium intake can lead to hypertension and other health issues.
Trans Fatty Acids
Explanation: Unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to be solid at room temperature.
Example: Trans fatty acids are found in many processed foods and should be limited in the diet.
Cholesterol
Explanation: A waxy substance found in the blood that is necessary for building cells but can cause health problems in excess.
Example: High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Additives
Explanation: Substances added to food to enhance flavor, appearance, or preservation.
Example: Some food additives, like preservatives, are necessary for shelf life, but others may have health risks.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
Explanation: Organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.
Example: Some people prefer to avoid GMOs due to concerns about health and environmental impact.
Paleo Diet
Explanation: A diet based on the presumed eating habits of early humans, focusing on whole foods.
Example: The paleo diet excludes processed foods, grains, and dairy.
Diabetes
Explanation: A disease that occurs when blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high.
Example: Managing diabetes often involves monitoring blood sugar levels and following a healthy diet.
Cardiovascular Disease
Explanation: A class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels.
Example: A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Obesity
Explanation: A condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.
Example: Obesity can lead to a range of health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
Malnutrition
Explanation: A condition that results from eating a diet in which nutrients are either not enough or are too much.
Example: Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems and developmental issues.
Vitamin Deficiency
Explanation: A lack of necessary vitamins in the diet.
Example: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems like rickets.
Electrolytes
Explanation: Minerals in the body that maintain fluid balance and are vital for muscle function.
Example: Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are crucial during intense exercise to prevent dehydration.
Anemia
Explanation: A condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues.
Example: Iron-deficiency anemia is common and can be treated with diet and supplements.
Food Allergy
Explanation: An immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food.
Example: Common food allergies include reactions to peanuts, shellfish, and eggs.
Balanced Diet
Explanation: A diet that contains the proper proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Example: Eating a balanced diet helps maintain good health and proper body function.
Processed Foods
Explanation: Foods that have been altered from their natural state for safety reasons or convenience.
Example: Processed foods often contain added sugars, salts, and fats.
Sustainable Eating
Explanation: Choosing foods that are healthy for the environment and the body.
Example: Sustainable eating involves selecting local, organic, and minimally processed foods.
Dietary Fiber
Explanation: The parts of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes that your body can't digest.
Example: High-fiber foods help regulate the body's use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check.
Plant-Based Diet
Explanation: A diet consisting mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants.
Example: A plant-based diet can improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Clean Eating
Explanation: Eating whole foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible.
Example: Clean eating emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Inflammation
Explanation: The body's response to injury or infection, which can become chronic with poor diet.
Example: Foods like fatty fish and leafy greens can help reduce inflammation.
Immune System
Explanation: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
Example: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports a healthy immune system.
Whole Grain
Explanation: Grains that contain the entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Example: Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are more nutritious than refined grains.
Dietary Guidelines
Explanation: Evidence-based recommendations to help people make informed food choices.
Example: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide advice on healthy eating patterns.
Metabolic Syndrome
Explanation: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Example: Managing diet and exercise can help prevent metabolic syndrome.
Gut Health
Explanation: The balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract, which affects overall health.
Example: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut can promote good gut health.
Nutrient Density
Explanation: The amount of nutrients a food contains in relation to the number of calories.
Example: Leafy greens like spinach are nutrient-dense foods that provide a lot of vitamins for few calories.
Functional Foods
Explanation: Foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.
Example: Foods like oats and salmon are considered functional foods due to their additional health benefits.
Antioxidants
Explanation: Molecules that fight free radicals in the body.
Example: Antioxidants in blueberries can help reduce oxidative stress.
Dietary Supplement -
Explanation: A product taken to add nutritional value to the diet. Example: Many people take dietary supplements like fish oil or multivitamins to ensure they get enough nutrients.
Additional Vocabulary
1. Amino Acids (noun)
Definition: The building blocks of proteins, essential for various bodily functions.
Example: "Amino acids are crucial for muscle repair and growth, especially after intense workouts."
Antioxidants (noun)
Definition: Substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Example: "Consuming foods rich in antioxidants like berries can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases."
Balanced Diet (noun)
Definition: A diet that contains the proper proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water necessary to maintain good health.
Example: "A balanced diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being."
Body Mass Index (BMI) (noun)
Definition: A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Example: "A BMI of 25 or higher indicates overweight or obesity, which can increase the risk of health problems."
Caloric Intake (noun)
Definition: The total number of calories consumed through food and beverages.
Example: "Monitoring caloric intake is important for weight management and overall health."
Carbohydrates (noun)
Definition: Organic compounds that provide energy; found in foods like bread, rice, and pasta.
Example: "Complex carbohydrates like whole grains are a more nutritious option than simple sugars."
Cholesterol (noun)
Definition: A type of fat found in your blood; essential for building healthy cells but high levels can increase heart disease risk.
Example: "Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can prevent cardiovascular diseases."
Dietary Fiber (noun)
Definition: Plant-based nutrients that are not digestible but aid in digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.
Example: "Eating plenty of dietary fiber can help control blood sugar levels."
Dietitian (noun)
Definition: A health professional who specializes in nutrition and diet planning.
Example: "A dietitian can create a personalized eating plan to meet your health goals."