Lipids are fatlike substances that include fatty acids (fats), oils, waxes and steroids, such as cholesterol. These compounds are within and between cell membranes, and they help protect nerves. Different forms of fatty acids include unsaturated fats, saturated fats and trans fatty acids.
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While caffeine can be used in a wide variety of foods and beverages, it is derived from a few main sources. Those sources include tea leaves, cocoa beans -- which are used to make chocolate -- kola nuts and coffee beans.
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People have eaten soy for nearly 5,000 years. One of the most notable advantages of soy is that its protein content and quality is comparable to that of animal foods.
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Garlic and ginger are two herbs that possess many little-known therapeutic uses and health benefits, alongside their more common uses in the kitchen. Both of these herbs have been studied for their effectiveness in fighting infections, preventing cancer and reducing inflammation and various other applications.
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Vegan diets, when planned properly, are healthy and can even lower the risk of certain diseases, according to the American Dietetic Association. They can be appropriate for individuals in all stages of life, including infancy, childhood, pregnancy and lactation.
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Balanced nutrition is crucial during childhood to support normal growth and cognitive development. When children are fed unhealthy foods, certain behavioral problems can begin to arise. Among the most common of these are attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritability and aggression.
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An ongoing debate rages regarding the health effects of coconut oil. This oil has been said to possess various health benefits, but it is also very high in saturated fat -- a type of fat linked to coronary heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
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Hydrogenated oil is a man-made food substance that is used widely throughout the food supply for its cost efficiency and technical advantages. Also known as trans fats, these oils have become more known for their damaging health effects.
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Refined foods are processed foods that lack many of the nutrients they once had. They generally add a lot of calories to your diet, when compared to the amount of nutrients they contribute. The refining process refers specifically to carbohydrates such as grains and sugars.
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If you're looking for some quick energy before a workout or a pick-me-up in the late afternoon hours, both a cup of coffee and a caffeine pill can do the trick. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and so speeds up mental and physical processes.
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Although losing up to 100 hairs per day from your scalp is normal, there may be a serious underlying cause if you are experiencing more severe hair loss. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that, when deficient, can contribute to a number of health issues. Among these, is the potential for hair loss.
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Snacks for bodybuilders usually follow a few simple rules. They are often high in protein, low in sugar and, in general, are healthy foods. A good bodybuilding snack should shoot for around 15 or more grams of protein, with an equal or lesser amount of carbohydrates.
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When you don't give your body the proper nutrients, it's unable to function at its best. An unhealthy diet not only deprives you of the nutrients required for energy and vitality, it also introduces unhealthy substances such as trans fat, as well as high levels of saturated fat and sugar.
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Probiotics are often referred to as the "friendly bacteria" that live in the human gut. They can play a variety of important roles, including the production of vitamins and the prevention of certain intestinal disorders.
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While many factors can contribute to diarrhea and indigestion, there are some key foods that are best avoided, particularly if you find yourself subject to bouts of either condition.
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Eicosapentaenoic acid, also known as EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, also known as DHA, are two important types of omega-3 fatty acids found in high amounts in fatty fish. Omega-3s are heart-healthy fats required for brain function.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are best known for their variety of potential health benefits. However, as with many other nutrients, consuming high doses can be detrimental, potentially causing problems such as altered immune function and increased risk for prostate cancer.
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Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are present in many common foods today. The process of genetically altering a plant or animal involves the manipulation of its genetic material to create traits that cannot occur through traditional crossbreeding.
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Soy has been linked soy to a number of health benefits, including protection against certain types of cancer and lower cholesterol levels. These benefits have been largely attributed to a substance in soy known as isoflavones.
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B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, meaning any extra you take in you will excrete through urine. In fact, more health issues result from B-vitamin deficiencies than from overdoses, according to the American Cancer Society.
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