Lecithin, a substance that occurs naturally in plants and animals, is a mixture of phosphates and fatty acids. This type of blend, which makes lecithin soluble in both water and fat, is known as a phospholipid. Food manufacturers add lecithin to salad dressings to break down the oils, creating a uniform solution.
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Nerve cells use chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate. When an impulse reaches the end of a nerve, it releases the neurotransmitter into the gap, called a synapse, between two nerves. The neurotransmitter passes the message from the first nerve across the synapse to the next nerve.
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Cilantro has a cultivation history that dates back to at least 1500 B.C., as Sanskrit writings from that time indicate. The herb’s seeds, called coriander, are found inside Egyptian pharaohs’ tombs and in Grecian ruins that date back to the Bronze Age about 5,500 years ago.
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Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound used as both a calcium supplement and an antacid. The absorption of this type of calcium depends on the pH level in your stomach. Your body constantly breaks down and rebuilds itself requiring a continual intake of minerals such as calcium.
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Too much caffeine might have several side effects, but clinical evidence suggests that joint pain isn't one of them. Joint pain has several potential causes, mostly associated with forms of arthritis, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Growth hormone is a protein hormone involved in several physiological processes such as building muscle and regulating metabolism. Other hormones, such as elevated insulin in response to carbohydrate consumption, can impair its secretion.
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Many dieters turn to canned soup as a convenient and nutritious low-calorie meal. There are an abundance of plans based on soups, but many of them are not sustainable for long-term health.
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Feeling thirsty after eating a large amount of carbs is often a symptom of diabetes, a group of diseases in which the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes to regulate blood sugar levels.
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Vitamin K2 is the most biologically active member of the vitamin K family. Although the structurally similar K1 and K3 are not very usable inside the body, there is an exception. Your liver uses the vitamin K1 you take in with your food to make its very own K2.
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Similar to cooking with a microwave, infrared cooking uses electromagnetic energy, or EM, to heat your food. Infrared is a form of light energy, which is not part of the visible spectrum. With new models of infrared outdoor grills on the market, some are questioning the safety of these high-powered cooking devices.
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Muscle soreness is common after working out. Fatigue and soreness occur when you work out harder than you normally do or longer than you are accustomed to. These feelings indicate that you are using your muscles to gain strength and endurance.
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A magnesium deficiency in the blood can cause many unwanted symptoms, including agitation, muscle spasms and seizures. Foods rich in magnesium, such as whole grains, beans, peas, nuts and green vegetables, can contribute to a healthy diet. In some cases, a magnesium supplement may be helpful.
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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, millions of people worldwide are taking vitamins to supplement their diets or for potential health benefits. Unfortunately, it might be dangerous to consume the wrong types, quantities or brand of vitamin supplements.
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Chilean sea bass feeds on shellfish, squid and small fish in sub-Antarctic waters, and lives to be almost 50 years old. Also known as Patagonian toothfish, some Chilean sea bass weigh nearly 200 pounds.
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Acne is one of the most common skin problems in teenagers and adults, affecting approximately 40 million people in the United States alone, the American Academy of Dermatology states. Diet plays an important role in the development of acne. Greek yogurt is a popular dairy product that may influence your acne symptoms.
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More than half of all teenagers suffer from acne, according to the August 2001 edition of the "British Journal of Dermatology." Along with the treatment recommendations given to you by your doctor, making certain changes to your diet may help improve your symptoms of acne.
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Salt tablets are used to replenish sodium stores within the body. Your body needs a certain amount of sodium to function properly. When you sweat, such as during exercise, or when you lose an excessive amount of fluid, such as when you're vomiting and have diarrhea, your body may lose too much sodium.
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Many people enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Caffeine is a bitter substance found naturally in coffee beans. Whether you need a to jump start the day or just enjoy the flavor, all forms of coffee contain caffeine.
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Spot reducing is a myth, according to the American Council on Exercise. You can't target fat on a particular area of your body by exercising that one spot. Fat is gained and lost throughout the body.
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Ferritin is a protein found in red blood cells that stores iron, which transports oxygen from your lungs to all cells and tissues. The amount of ferritin in your blood is directly linked to the amount of iron in your body. Vitamin B-12 is required for metabolism and a healthy nervous system.
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