How to Cook Dried Chickpeas Without Soaking

Cooking dried beans instead of purchasing them canned gives you less sodium per serving, more flavor and better control over the texture of the finished beans, says "New York Times" food columnist Mark Bittman.

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Newborn With Chest Congestion Due to Milk

Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of upper respiratory infections than do those who are formula fed, says pediatric gastroenterologist Mark Corkins, M.D. Mothers whose babies are often congested or sick might suspect the cow milk present in baby formula. However, according to AskDrSears.

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Woman hitting punching bag

Rock vs. Sand vs. Water in Freestanding Punching Bags

Freestanding punching bags use a reservoir as a counterweight to simulate the resistance and swing of a hanging bag. Theoretically, you could fill the reservoir with any substance heavier than air. In practice, most users choose to fill it with rock, sand or water. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.

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Cranberry juice on old wooden table

Do Cranberries Stain Your Urine?

Urine can become discolored due to certain foods, food dyes and supplements you consume. Berries, including cranberries, can stain your urine. Your level of hydration and what else you ate with the cranberries will vary the color of your urine.

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L-Tyrosine & 5 HTP

Amino acid supplements are generally sold as sports supplements, and most are not very effective for that purpose as long as protein intake is adequate. Two of them, however, have piqued interest as a possible treatment for depression and other brain disorders.

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ground coffee

What Is the Use of Sodium Aluminum Silicate in Food?

Sodium aluminum silicate is one of the hundreds of food additives that manufacturers use to improve certain qualities of their product to appeal to consumers. An additive has no nutritional value of its own, but may improve other aspects of food, such as color, flavor, texture or shelf life.

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turmeric root on wooden plate

The Effect of Turmeric on Herpes

Herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus and include HSV type 1, which commonly causes cold sores around the mouth and face, and HSV type 2, which affects the genitals, buttocks and anal area.

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Weight Gain and Protein Pills

Weight gain from protein pills can be intentional or unintentional. You can use these nutritional supplements as a way to increase your dietary protein intake when packing on muscle mass or as a means to consume low-fat protein when on a weight-loss regimen.

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Acetaminophen vs. Naproxen Sodium

Relief for your throbbing head or aching back may be just a pill or two away. Non-prescription acetaminophen and naproxen sodium are over-the-counter pain relievers found in pharmacies and convenience stores. Both work by blocking the production of the hormone-like chemicals known as on prostaglandins.

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Nutrition of Boiled Rice Vs. Steamed Rice

According to the University of California at Davis Biological Science Department, the consumption of rice has occurred since 2,500 B.C.; rice has been a staple food source longer than any other food. It is a versatile crop and can be used in main dishes, desserts, beverages and snacks.

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Chicken Grill on the Wooden Table, grey background

Does a Ketogenic Diet Increase Your Testosterone?

The ketogenic diet was originally developed as an epilepsy diet, and follows a low-carb protocol. Although not the same diet, Dr. Robert Atkins popularized a ketogenic weight-loss regimen based on principles similar to those of the original ketogenic diet.

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Close-up of a mature woman showing a pill

Does Magnesium Interfere With Coumadin?

Every organ in your body requires magnesium to function. Magnesium keeps teeth and bones strong, activates enzymes and regulates the levels of other minerals. Coumadin, or warfarin, is a medication used to prevent blood clots and other cardiovascular conditions.

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Portrait of a young pregnant woman cutting fruit

Nutritional Shakes for Pregnant Women

A growing baby places increased nutritional demands on the mother, and consuming quality nutrition is vital. Though nutritional shakes can supply many essential nutrients during pregnancy, shakes should be a complement to a balanced meal plan during pregnancy, not a replacement for a healthy diet.

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happy teen girl doing home work

Does Orange Juice Help to Clear Acne?

Diet can be a significant factor in acne for some people. But the relationship between diet and this skin condition is complicated; while orange juice may help to clear acne for you, it may be a trigger of breakouts for someone else. More research is needed on the effects of orange juice on acne.

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Chambermaid relaxing on bed, eating chocolates

Can Chocolate Cause Bloating & Gas?

Gas is a presence of air in your digestive tract, sometimes caused by the breakdown of certain foods, and bloating can be a symptom of gas. Because there's air in your system, it can feel as though your abdomen is swollen and heavy.

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Close up of artichokes and lemon in a pot

Nutritional Value of Marinated Artichokes

Artichokes may look inedible, but the tender heart makes a tasty option for your diet. Marinating artichokes adds a rich dimension of flavor -- the marinade generally contains olive oil and other seasonings. These artichokes are suitable for adding to salads, incorporating into casseroles and eating plain.

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Sour cabbage,traditional dish of russian cuisine.

Sauerkraut and Probiotics

Probiotics and microbes that are good for you. By contributing to a healthy gut flora, this live microorganisms can help you have a good digestion, boost your immune system and even provide you some important vitamins. Many foods are now enriched with probiotics and probiotics can also be purchased in supplement form.

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Sweet potato Background

Sweet Potatoes & Yams as Diet Foods

Sweet potatoes and yams contain many nutrients that make them a healthy addition to a weight loss meal plan. While similar, the two are not the same vegetable, and yams are not as easy to find in the United States.

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Cocktail with cola and ice

Does Diet Soda Increase Blood Pressure?

Diet soda might seem like a smart beverage choice because it's calorie-free and doesn't contain any added sugar, but it's actually associated with higher blood pressure, though drinking it won't necessarily cause hypertension.

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