An occasional twitch in the eyelid or a spasm in your hand or calf is nothing to worry about and will probably go away on its own. Muscle twitches that last for more than a few days may signal nutrient deficiencies or other dietary issues, or they may be a symptom of a medical condition.
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Although fruits supply vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, they sometimes get a bad rap for being high in a natural sugar called fructose. This type of sugar is also found in many sweet treats and can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
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You’re likely to get two to four colds a year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, while your child may succumb to twice that many. There’s no cure for a cold, so prevention is your best bet. But once you’ve caught a cold, some foods may help you feel better or even shorten the time you feel sick.
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You may be thinking about following a vegetarian diet to reap certain health benefits. In fact, meat-free diets are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, which can help prevent digestive conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure and even certain cancers.
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Calories in, calories out: Burning more calories than you take in is the way to lose weight. Reducing calories with diet and burning them through exercise are proven methods that work, but sometimes supplements can help the process along.
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Skim or fat-free milk can be a key component of a healthy diet. Drinking skim milk can actually give you more calcium than whole milk. While there are nutrients bound to fat in foods, calcium is not found in the fatty portion of milk.
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Sitting at a restaurant staring down a large plate of pasta can be both an enjoyable and overwhelming prospect. According to the Portion Distortion Quiz from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a plate of spaghetti and meatballs averaged 500 calories in 1983.
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Like vitamins, minerals help your body grow and stay healthy. Your body needs minerals to perform different functions, from building healthy bones to transmitting electrical impulses along nerves. In fact, some minerals help maintain a normal heart beat and make hormones.
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During pregnancy, your body requires potassium to function at its best. An essential mineral, potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. It also plays a significant role in the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of your muscles and release of energy from carbohydrates, fat and protein.
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Your body needs vitamins to operate at its optimal level. Two distinct kinds of vitamins exist: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins consist of vitamins A, E, D and K, while water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins and vitamin C.
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Apples, a member of the rose family, are low in calories and are fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free. About 2,500 varieties are grown throughout the United States, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
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Cranberry is rich in antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which are responsible for its vibrant color. Antioxidants conquer free radicals, which are particles that damage DNA and may contribute to heart disease, cancer and other conditions. You can get cranberries in juice as well as in concentrate forms.
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Every organ in your body, including your muscles, heart and kidneys, needs magnesium to function properly. Magnesium helps regulate your body’s calcium levels and contributes to production of energy. Men need 420 milligrams of magnesium per day, while women require 320 milligrams.
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Scientifically known as Raphanus sativus L. var. niger, Spanish black radish is a member of the Cruciferae family, along with Brussel sprouts, spinach, kale and cabbage. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked, but its strong, peppery flavor can be neutralized by cooking or peeling for those with more sensitive palates.
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Minerals, like vitamins, support your normal growth and development. Your body needs them to perform vital functions. Two kinds of minerals exist: macrominerals and trace minerals.
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The seed pod of a wild rose plant, rosehip has been used to treat indigestion, arthritis, colds and the flu. Hibiscus, a red-flowered shrub, is commonly used in herbal teas because of its pleasant taste. Medicinally, hibiscus has been used to treat upset stomach, anxiety and fevers.
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As you age, your need for some nutrients increases; if you are a man over 50, you require higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D. Eating nutrient-dense foods can help you fulfill your requirements. But if you follow poor dietary habits, you are at risk for nutritional deficiencies, says Victoria J.
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You have diarrhea when you pass loose, watery stools more than three times a day. You may also experience nausea, cramping, bloating and bowel urgency. Diarrhea is generally not harmful, but it can become serious.
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Pineapple, the leading edible member of the family bromeliaceae, comes in various forms that include fresh, frozen, canned, and dried. A cup of pineapple chunks meets the daily vitamin C requirements for most people.
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Your body needs vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, to manufacture collagen, which is a structural component of cartilage, ligament, tendons, blood vessels and skin. The vitamin also helps heal wounds and repair your bones and teeth. Vitamin C comes in many forms, including chewables, capsules and tablets.
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