Jargon Buster

What are Antioxidants?

When free radicals attack, the cells must ward them off with an anti-oxidant defence. This defence is composed of nutrients, including: Vitamin E, A and C, several B vitamins, minerals selenium and zinc, bioflavonoids and amino acids. These can be found in the following foods: wheat and barley grasses, sprouts, and dark green veggies.  And also in teas like Rooibos Tea and Green Tea.

What are Amino Acids?

Amino Acids are the building blocks of the body’s protein, and as such are key to most of the body’s processes and functions. Protein is the basic component of antibodies in the immune system, hormones in the endocrine system and haemoglobin in red blood cells. Even enzymes have protein as their basic component. Essential amino acids are only found in foods and cannot be synthesised by the body. Until recently it was thought that these essential acids were only available in meat sources, and fruits and vegetables were inadequate sources. But that has proved not to be the case. You can find many of the amino nutrients you need from plant sources like grains and legumes

What are Free radicals?

Free radicals are molecules generated by cells in the body upon exposure to toxins, viruses, germs or fungi. They contain extra oxygen and destroy unwanted ‘invaders’ through oxidation. This aspect of free radicals is obviously beneficial to health.

However, after producing free radicals for their own protection, the cells themselves become targets.

Foods that contain toxins that cause free radicals are: any foods cooked in overheated fats and oils, all polyunsaturated vegetables oils and hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Phytochemicals?

'Phytochemicals' literally means 'plant chemicals'. Plant chemicals are nutrients that are very different from amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Phytochemicals with scientifically proven healing properties and known as 'Nutraceuticals'. Fresh juices made with whole fruits and vegetables contain the largest number of Phytochemicals and Nutraceuticals available.

What are Plant sterols?

Plant Sterols belong to a group of chemicals that include steroid hormones and cholesterol and are described from, well, plants. In small doses plant sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol, which has sparked their wide use. However, the impressive benefits are outweighed by the significant problems associated with their use. They can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The potential for toxicity is also quite high. Worryingly the use of plant sterols is increasing in modern food manufacturing, such as commercial margarine spreads.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is generated in the human body, or taken into the body when meat and animal products are eaten. Cholesterol is used to produce hormones such as adrenalin and vitamins such as vitamin D.

When too much cholesterol is taken into the body, it begins to deposit as fat in the arteries and blood vessels. These cholesterol deposits impede blood flow around the body and can pose a serious health risk. But not all fats cause cholesterols. Some fats, such as 'Omega 3 fatty acids' actually help to combat problem cholesterol in the blood.

What are Parabens?

Parabans are a type of artificial chemical that is derived from oil production. As a petrochemical they are used widely as preservatives in the production of hygiene and beauty products such as deodorants, moisturisers and shampoos. As yet untested parabens are thought to be hormones disrupters and to contribute to a negative impact on cancers and other chronic conditions.  There are four types of commonly used parabens to watch out for: methylparaben, ethlyparabens, butlyoparaben and propylparabens.

What is your BMI - Body Mass Index?

The Body Mass Index is a measurement system that many dieters use to determine how under or over weight they are.
There are three simple steps you take to find our what your BMI is:

   1. Work out your height in metres and multiply the figure by itself.
   2. Measure your weight in kilograms
   3. Divide your weight by the answer to Q1.


But bare in mind, the BMI is a guideline that is not appropriate for children, pregnant women, older people or anyone with long-term health problems. It is also worth remembering that healthy muscular people with very low body fat can be classified obese by the BMI!

If your BMI is		You are considered
18.5 or less		Underweight
18.5 – 24.9		Normal
25.0 –29.9		Overweight
30.0 – 39.9		Obese
40 or greater		Extremely Obese

What is Slow Food?

Slow food is a movement in food production, treatment and consumption. Founded upon the concept of eco-gastronomy, Slow Food means that all food production and consumption should be good, clean and fair. Slow Food is more than just fair trade, supporting local and organic producers. Slow Food is the answer to the problems caused by Fast Food, putting health and well-being of people and planet ahead of profits!

Fats are our friends! (But only in small doses)

However, most modern diets contain too much fat, especially bad fats, which can cause cholesterol and possibly damage your heart. That’s why, Zumo only use low-fat pro-biotic yoghurt, helping to keep you, your body, and your mind, as healthy as can be.

Proteins - the building blocks of life.

Proteins are the building blocks of everything we do. Proteins help us to grow, repair and maintain our health. They are  as basic and essential to our lives as oxygen, but can often be associated with weight gain and fad diets. Eating lots of plant-based protein is essential for a balanced diet.

What is Fibre?

Good for keeping you regular, fibre is found only in plants so eating lots of fruit and verg makes sure you get lots and lots of what you need. Fibre is essential in your diet because it can help maintain a healthy bowel function, stabilise blood sugar levels and even help to lower blood cholesterol levels!

What are Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are molecules contained in the make-up of our food. They get directly absorbed into our cells after we eat or drink. Each vitamin and mineral helps our bodies to function properly at this tiny molecular level, that equates to overall well-being by promoting tissue repair and stimulating energy production. Wow.

Carbohydrates - they're the sweet in your tomato, the fluff in your potato...

Well, actually carbs are sugars in their various forms! Carbohydrates, (or street term 'Carbs')are our most common form of energy and come in two types: simple and complex. Dieticians recommend that most of your carbs are of the complex variety, mainly found in fruits and veg as well as dairy. The simple carbohydrates are found in sugars and are generally added to foods by manufacturers. As Zumo drinks are made fresh and right in front of you, that means you only get the good stuff.

Calories: Instant Energy?

well, it depends on how much you exercise you do! Calories are a measure of how much 'energy' is stored in a food. The calorie scale is based on how long it would take you to ‘burn off’ what you have consumed ie. using up the energy in daily activity rather than storing it as fat.
The higher the calorie rating of a food, the longer it will take to burn off. Lots of people are very aware of their calorie intake as they associate high calorie foods with weigh gain and bad health. So, to make things easier we've listed the calorie content of all our drinks in a handy guidebook, helping you to make a healthy decision for yourself. Look out for it instore soon.