Neonics: Short for neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide that is meant
to kill pests but also harms honeybees
NSF International: An organization that helps consumers with
issues related to the health and safety of food, water, and various
products
Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy polyunsaturated
fat, of which you want at least a serving a day
Organic: Essentially means no synthetic pesticides, no growth
hormones, and no antibiotics were used in the production of the
food item
PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, potentially carcinogenic
compounds generated from grilling (they can coat grilled food
through the smoke)
PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls, toxic chemicals found in some
fish (especially farmed salmon) because of contaminated waters
that fish inhabit
Percent Daily Value: The Daily Value is how much of a given
nutrient you should either aim to reach or keep below. Knowing
how much—the percent—of that amount is in a given food can
help you keep track.
Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors that interfere with the normal
functioning of hormones in the body; found in some plastics
Polyunsaturated fat: Have essentially the same health effects
as monounsaturated fat; also liquid at room temperature.
Polyunsaturated fat gets special points for omega-3s, which
have other health-promoting properties like keeping heart rates
steady. This is useful in preventing death from heart disease and
offers benefits to the immune system and brain function, not to
mention eyesight and conditions like eczema.
260 how to be a Conscious Eater