Calcium| An essential mineral which builds and maintains strong bones and teeth, regulates heartbeat and muscle contractions and plays a role in blood clotting. Food sources include: milk (nonfat, low fat, and whole), yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables (kale, mustard, collard, and turnip greens) and canned salmon (edible bones). Low intake of foods containing calcium is associated with <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a></u>.|Calcium.swf\Calorie| A unit of measurement for energy.  It's a way of describing how much energy your body can get from eating or drinking a certain type and amount of food.  One gram of carbohydrates or protein provides four calories of energy to the body while one gram of fat provides nine calories. Remember, extra calories just gets stored as fat (unless you are active).|Calorie.swf\Carbohydrates| There are two types of carbohydrates, simple and starch, and they provide the main source of energy for our bodies (four calories/gram).  Simple sugars are found in refined sugar (candy and baked goods) and occur naturally in fruit and milk. Complex sugars are starches and are found in grain products such as bread, crackers and pasta.  During digestion (with the exception of dietary fiber), all carbohydrates are broken down into a simple sugar called glucose. Carbohydrates should make up at least 50% of your diet with an emphasis on <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Nutrient-Dense Foods">nutrient dense food</a></u> (whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables).|Carbohydrates.swf\Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)| Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases of the heart and blood vessel system (arteries, capillaries and veins). The underlying cause of most CVD is a gradual clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis) with plaque. Plaque is made up of fatty substances, cholesterol and cellular waste products.|CardiovascularDisease.swf\Cholesterol| A fatty substance found in animal tissues.  Cholesterol plays essential roles in the formation of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. Our liver makes sufficient amounts of cholesterol to meet our needs. Our body converts saturated fats (from meat, cheese, butter, etc.) into cholesterol. It is important to get your serum cholesterol checked (see <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Serum Cholesterol">serum cholesterol</a></u>,  <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)">LDL</a></u> and <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)">HDL</a></u>).|Cholesterol.swf\Chromium| An essential trace mineral that is needed to metabolize fats and carbohydrates.  Food sources include: vegetable oils, egg yolks, whole grains, meats, apples, bananas and wheat germ.|Chromium.swf\Chronic Diseases| An illness that is ongoing such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.  These diseases account for 7 of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Some of these diseases can be prevented with physical activity and healthy eating (eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains).|ChronicDiseases.swf\Coconut Oil| This oil (along with palm oil) sounds healthy because it is from the coconut plant. This oil is actually a saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat can be associated with high cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase your risk of <u>cardiovascular disease</u>. Eating vegetables, fruits and nuts, while decreasing your intake of saturated fats, will keep your heart healthy.|CoconutOil.swf\Copper|Along with iron, this essential trace mineral helps in the formation of hemoglobin (red blood cells). It also helps keep bones, blood vessels, nerves and the immune system healthy.  Food sources include: liver, shellfish, nuts, seeds, prunes, whole wheat bread, bran cereals, barley, lima beans, white and sweet potatoes, tomato juice and turnip greens.|Copper.swf\Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)| A narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart (coronary arteries). Someone with CHD is at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Risk factors for CHD include: smoking, being overweight, having high cholesterol and high blood pressure.|CoronaryHeartDisease.swf\