Healthy ingredient glossary, healthy recipes, health foods, low- fat ingredients
Healthy Ingredient Glossary
Acid Foods
Foods that create an acidic environment and reduce the pH balance in the body. For example: white flour, refined sugar, and animal protein.
Agar
A plant-derived gelatin or setting agent. Available in flakes and powder. Powder dissolves quickly and is more concentrated than the flakes.
Alkaline Foods
Foods that create an alkaline environment and help maintain the pH balance in the body.
Arrowroot
A flavorless white powder used as a thickener in sauces, puddings, etc. Mix with cold liquid before adding to hot mixtures.
Bragg Liquid Aminos®
A healthier version of soy sauce. It contains naturally occurring sodium and can be purchased at a natural foods store.
Carob
A chocolate substitute made from the carob nut. Caffeine free.
Chives
Grass-like herb used fresh to garnish soups, salads, and potatoes. Loses its flavor when dried.
Dulse
A natural seaweed full of vitamins and minerals.
Ener-G Egg Replacer
A plant-based mixture that mimics what eggs do in a baking recipe. Cannot be scrambled.
Non-Hydrogenated Oil
Oils that have no trans fatty acids or have not been hydrogenated based on the chemical process, which turns liquid oils into solids. Expeller-pressed oils are a good source of non-hydrogenated oil.
Kelp
A natural seaweed used in salads, soups, and sauces. Great “fishy” flavor. Full of minerals and vitamins.
Miso
Fermented soybeans that are ground into a paste. Miso is used primarily as a flavoring ingredient in soups and on vegetables.
Nayonaise®
A brand of tofu mayonnaise. Contains no dairy or eggs.
Night Shade Vegetables, Fruit and Spices
Vegetables that contain naturally occurring irritants for people who have arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
These vegetables include the following:
potatoes, tomatoes, many species of sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, ground cherries, pimentos, paprika
Reference: Foods considered to be nightshade:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=62
Nutritional Yeast
A non-leavening yeast, high in iron and B vitamins, with a nutty, cheesy flavor. A great cheesy taste. Full of B-vitamins, this healthy ingredient is very versatile.
Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced keen-whaa) is a whole grain that is the highest in protein among the grains. Can be prepared in a rice cooker. Can be used wherever rice is used.
Rice Milk
Milk made from brown rice. Popular flavors include vanilla and carob. Texture is like 2% cow’s milk.
Scallions
Green onion; small bulb with long green stalk. Only discard root. Add green stalk at the last few minutes of cooking to preserve color.
Seitan
Also known as wheat gluten. Seitan is made from the protein portion of wheat.
Soy Cheese
Flavored tofu that has been given a cheese-like consistency. There are several varieties including mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack and several others.
Soy Milk
Milk made from soybeans. Popular flavors include vanilla and carob. Texture can be thick like cow's whole milk or light like 2% milk. A calcium-enriched version is also available.
Tahini Sesame
Butter, nutty taste that can be used in combination to create dairy-like flavors.
Tamari Sauce
A fermented soy sauce.
Tempeh
A chunky textured cake of cooked soybeans. It can be marinated, barbecued, or sautéed. Its texture makes it a good meat alternative.
Textured Vegetable Protein
Sold as a dry granulated product, TVP is made from compressed soy flour. When rehydrated, it has a texture similar to ground beef.
Trans Fatty Acid (Trans Fat)
A non-food, solid chemical used as margarine. It raises bad (LDL) cholesterol and lowers good (HDL) cholesterol. An artificial fat.
Bean curd made from soymilk by coagulating the soy protein with other minerals. The curds are pressed to form a cohesive bond. The degree of pressing will form a soft, firm, or extra firm texture.
Whole Food
Grains, fruits, vegetables, soy foods, beans, nuts, and seeds that have been left in their original state when used.
Wheat Gluten
Also known as Seitan and made from the protein portion of wheat
Vegetable Protein
Various types of plant-based proteins from beans like soy (tofu) or brown rice (tempeh), or whole grain wheat (seitan). These proteins are good meat replacements for familiar dishes. These healthy ingredients provide a low fat, low cholesterol alternative.
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Healthy Substitutes
Dulse Sea Vegetable
Egg Replacer for Recipes