What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Learn the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids, which foods provide them, and why they matter.
Nutrition Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms that come up across our articles. Every glossary entry is also a standalone explainer with its own DefinedTerm structured data — useful when you want to send a friend a single link that explains exactly one concept.
What Are Antioxidants? How They Work and Why They Matter
Antioxidants neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Here's what they actually are, how they work in the body, and which foods actually deliver them.
What Are Free Radicals? Why They Damage Cells and How to Fight Them
Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, DNA, and proteins. Here's what they are, where they come from, and how antioxidants and diet protect against them.
What Are Macronutrients? Protein, Carbs, and Fat Without the Fluff
Macronutrients are the three nutrients your body needs in large amounts - protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Here's what each does, how many calories each contains, and how to think about balance.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? EPA, DHA, and ALA — What Each One Does
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your body can't make. EPA and DHA from fish have the strongest evidence. ALA from plants converts poorly. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Learn what they are, which foods contain them, and how they differ from probiotics.
What Does Vitamin B12 Actually Do in Your Body?
Vitamin B12 makes red blood cells, maintains nerves, and builds DNA. It's found almost exclusively in animal foods - here's why that matters and what deficiency looks like.
What Is BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)? How to Calculate Yours
BMR is the calories your body burns at rest. Here's what basal metabolic rate means, how it's calculated, and how to use it to understand your actual calorie needs.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is a B vitamin essential for fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. Learn what it does, where to get it, and whether supplements actually work.
What Is Dietary Fibre? The Two Types, What Each Does, and Why Most People Fall Short
Dietary fibre is the indigestible part of plant food. It has two main types - soluble and insoluble - with different functions. Here's what fibre does and why most people don't get enough.
What Is Inflammation? The Difference Between Helpful and Harmful
Inflammation is the body's defence response to injury or infection. Acute inflammation heals you. Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here's the difference.
What Is Insulin Resistance? How It Develops and How to Reverse It
Insulin resistance means your cells stop responding properly to insulin. It's the root cause of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Here's how it develops and what to do about it.
What Is Metabolism? A Clear Explanation of How It Actually Works
Metabolism is not just about how fast you burn calories. Here's what it actually is, what affects it, and why the idea of a 'fast' or 'slow' metabolism is more complicated than you think.
What Is a Calorie Deficit? How It Works Without the Obsession
A calorie deficit means consuming fewer calories than you burn. Here's how it works, how to calculate yours, and how big a deficit is actually safe.
What Is the Glycemic Index? GI, Glycemic Load, and What the Numbers Mean
The glycemic index measures how fast a food raises blood sugar on a scale of 0-100. Here's what the numbers mean, the difference between GI and glycemic load, and how to use it practically.
What Is the Gut Microbiome? A Clear, No-Jargon Explanation
The gut microbiome is the community of trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract. Here's what it does, why it matters, and what affects its health.
What Is the Gut-Brain Axis?
The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication network between your digestive system and brain. Learn how it works and why it matters for mental health.