Green tea has been consumed for thousands of years, and in the past few decades science has uncovered a number of medicinal uses for this popular herb. Green tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties due to the antioxidants it possesses.
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EPA, which is eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, which is docosahexaenoic acid, are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are most commonly found in seafood. These polyunsaturated fats are known to have preventative health benefits and have been studied for their role in treating certain chronic conditions.
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The human immune system defends the body against the harmful microorganisms that cause sickness and disease. It can occasionally fail to do its job, however, often due to circumstances beyond your control. Luckily, many simple lifestyle choices can promote a strong and healthy immune system.
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In the medical field, clogged arteries are referred to as atherosclerosis. This condition occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances accumulate on artery walls.
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A high sugar intake is a cause for concern because it is linked to a number of health problems. To avoid sugar when consuming candy, many people choose sugar-free options. To make sugar-free candy sweet, there are two classes of sweeteners that are typically used; sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.
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Diet is one of the most important factors in maintaining good overall health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts and legumes provides you with the nutrients required for optimal energy levels, a strong immune system and healthy internal organs.
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Caffeine can affect the body and brain in a number of ways. While it is most commonly used for alertness and mental focus, caffeine consumption does have other possible side effects that should not be overlooked. Blood vessel constriction, also known as vasoconstriction, is one of these potential side effects.
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Sugar, a form of carbohydrates, is quickly available to be converted to energy. If sugar calories are not used as energy shortly after they are consumed, however, they are converted into stored body fat by a process known as lipogenesis.
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Genetically modified foods, commonly referred to as GMOs, are foods that have been implanted with genetic material from other species of plants or animals. While several major U.S. crops have been genetically modified, the number of genetically modified vegetables is limited.
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Chicken, in general, can be considered a healthy protein that is relatively low in fat when compared to many other proteins. However, certain parts of the chicken contain substantially higher quantities of fat than others. The dark meat of a chicken is usually much higher in fat than the white meat.
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Many foods contain their own defenses against viruses, fungi and bacteria. By consuming these foods, humans can also benefit from the plants' natural defenses. Foods that have been studied for their potency against a wide variety of pathogens include garlic, tea leaves, coconut and ginger.
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Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, include the three amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. These amino acids can be found in dietary protein, such as meat or eggs, or they can be supplemented.
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Aspartame and sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, are two varieties of commonly used artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners do not contain any calories, but they have a sweetening power far greater than that of sugar. The Food and Drug Administration has approved these sweeteners for consumers.
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The glycemic index is a scale that rates how quickly a given carbohydrate causes blood sugar to rise. The faster that blood sugar rises, the faster that insulin is released. Insulin is a hormone that removes sugars from the blood.
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Doctors often prescribe blood thinners for those who have an increased risk for heart or blood vessel disease. Thinner blood can result in a lower risk of blood clots in arteries and veins, which can reduce the chances of a heart attack. Drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants are often used to prevent blood clots.
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Artificial food coloring makes your foods more appealing and desirable. While the safety of these dyes has been called into question, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that the artificial food coloring currently permitted for use meet strict safety requirements.
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Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as lots of water, can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. One type of fiber supplement, psyllium, is also safe and effective for use during pregnancy.
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After being studied for more than 20 years, the artificial sweetener sucralose was deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration. This noncaloric sweetener is used in a wide variety of foods, including baked goods, frozen desserts and beverages.
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Concerns over the potential cancer-causing effects of artificial sweeteners have prompted ongoing research regarding their safety for human consumption.
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Regular coffee contains high levels of caffeine, a stimulant known to increase blood pressure immediately. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, usually contains little if any caffeine, making it much less likely to raise your blood pressure.
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