When people talk about the calories in food, what do they mean? A calorie is a unit of measurement—but it doesn't measure weight or length. A calorie is a unit of energy. When you hear something contains 100 calories, it's a way of describing how much energy your body could get from eating or drinking it.

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This number on a food label indicates how much fat is in a single serving of a food. Limit total fat to less than 25% to 35% percent of the calories you consume each day. All fats have 9 calories per gram.

WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/definitions-glossary

Usually solid at room temperature, saturated fats are found in animal products such as meat and milk, as well as in coconut and palm oil. Saturated fat is often used in foods to prevent rancidity and off flavors. No more than 5% to 10% of your total daily calories should come from saturated fat.

WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/definitions-glossary

This number on a food label indicates how many grams of carbohydrates are in a single serving of a food.

WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/definitions-glossary

Dietary Fiber supports digestive regularity, gut microbiome balance, and healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

This section of the nutrition label lists added and natural sugars separately. Added sugars include sucrose, glucose, fructose, and corn and maple syrups. Natural sugars include lactose in milk and fructose in fruit. If you are concerned about your intake of sugar, be sure added sugars are not one of the first few items in a food's ingredients list.

WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/definitions-glossary

Protein provides essential amino acids to support muscle repair, immune health, and overall metabolic function.

Vitamin A supports vision, immune health, and the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption.

Vitamin D3 is the bioactive form of vitamin D that enhances calcium absorption and bone health.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes and supports skin and immune health.

Vitamin K1 supports normal blood coagulation and bone health by assisting in calcium metabolism.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) supports energy metabolism, nerve function, and glucose utilization.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) supports energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and antioxidant protection.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) supports energy metabolism, cardiovascular health, and healthy lipid levels.

Vitamin B6 supports amino acid metabolism, cognitive development, and immune function.

Folate is a B vitamin important for DNA synthesis, cell division, and prenatal development. It supports cardiovascular and neurological health.

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Biotin is a B vitamin (B7) essential for carbohydrate metabolism, skin, hair, and nail health. It also supports nervous system function.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) supports adrenal function, energy metabolism, and synthesis of coenzyme A.

Calcium is an essential mineral needed for bone density, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and overall structural support.

Phosphorus is a major mineral essential for bone health, energy production, and cellular repair.

Iodine is an essential trace element required for thyroid hormone synthesis, supporting metabolism, energy, and development.

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in muscle function, bone health, energy production, and nerve signaling.

Zinc is a trace mineral that supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Selenium is a trace mineral that supports thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health.

Manganese is a trace mineral essential for bone development, metabolism, and antioxidant enzyme function.

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

Molybdenum is a trace mineral that supports enzyme function and the breakdown of certain amino acids and toxins.

While sodium (commonly called salt) is vital for healthy nerves and muscles, most of us get too much salt in our diet, often from processed foods. Read food labels to help keep your sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams a day or less. Persons 51 and older, African Americans, or people who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should limit sodium to 1500 milligrams daily.

WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/definitions-glossary

Potassium is an essential mineral that supports fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

Milk Thistle Extract contains silymarin, which supports liver function, detoxification, and antioxidant activity.

Japanese Knotweed is a plant source of resveratrol, supporting cardiovascular, cellular, and inflammatory health.

Turmeric Extract contains curcuminoids that support inflammation control and antioxidant defense.

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate is a compound from cruciferous vegetables that supports detoxification and antioxidant defense.

Licorice Root Extract supports adrenal health, digestion, and respiratory function with natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.