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Acai
[ah SAH' ee].
A purple drupe fruit, native to South and Central America, most notably Brazil. In addition to Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, and iron, Acai is said to contain the highest amount of antioxidants yet discovered. Acai is available in powdered and pulp form, often with added sugar(s) to smooth out its bitter chocolate and berry flavor.
Acesulfame
Acesulfame K; Acesulfame Potassium.
A low calorie artificial sugar substitute, approximately 200 times sweeter than
sucrose. Due to its bitter taste, it is often found combined with less bitter artificial sweeteners or other masking agents. Marketed under the name Sunette®.
Controversy: Possible carcinogen.
Acetic Acid
A natural chemical compound that provides the sour odor and taste of vinegar. Formed from the reaction between oxygen and alcohol. Used as an additive to increase shelf life, improve flavor, and increase acidity.
Additives
Substances where the intended use results in, or may be reasonably expected to result in, becoming a component or otherwise affecting the food's characteristics.
Examples: Preservatives, Colors, Nutrients, etc.
Agave
Agave is a sugar substitute.
All Natural
Currently not legally defined for foods except for meats and poultry.
See also: Natural Meat and Poultry.
Animal Welfare Approved
A seal granted and monitored by the Animal Welfare Institute for use on meats, poultry, dairy and eggs. Standards include access to the outdoors, fresh air, limited antibiotics and the freedom to exercise natural behaviors. Common industry practices such as debeaking chickens and tail docking pigs are not allowed.
This seal distinguishes itself among animal welfare standards by prohibiting dual production systems (the practice of applying different standards to a select group of animals) and allowing the seal to be granted only to independent family farmers.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used in animal feed to treat, control, and prevent disease, as well as promote growth. Found in meats, poultry, and eggs except for those products labeled organic or those labeled no antibiotics added.
Controversy: Possible transmission of drug resistant bacteria to humans; environmental contamination.
Antioxidants
A group of nutritive substances, including vitamins C and E, A, and the mineral selenium, believed to destroy free radicals and reduce cellular damage by reducing the rate of oxidation.
Artesian Water
Water from a well tapping confined aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.
Artificial Flavor
A substance whose primary function is flavoring rather than nutritional and is not derived from any of the following: spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermented products.
Controversy: Exposure to potential toxins and carcinogens.
Aspartame
A low calorie artificial sugar substitute, approximately 180 times sweeter than sucrose. Aspartame is made from the combination of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Primarily marketed under the names Equal®, Canderel®, and Nutrasweet®.
Controversy: May cause mood changes, headaches, cancer, and brain damage.
Astaxanthin
A naturally occurring reddish-orange pigment found in seafood, plants and algae. Believed to have antioxidant properties.
Controversy: Has been used by seafood/fish suppliers to enhance the color of farm raised salmon to mimic the color of wild salmon without notice to the public.
Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Used primarily as a flavor enhancer, autolyzed yeast extract is the product of yeast cells that have been destroyed through the action of their own enzymes. The process results in a large amount of free glutamic acid, the primary source of mono sodium glutamate. It is used as a flavor enhancer.