Spam is well known for providing a convenient source of meat in a can, yet it is rarely considered a healthy food choice. Spam offers a variety of meats, some of which have a better nutrition profile than others.
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I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter makes a variety of buttery spreads that purport to be better choices for heart health than real butter. Their products contain beneficial fats, and some are also fortified with essential nutrients.
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The Chinese have used the shitake mushroom for medicinal purposes for over 6,000 years; consequently, it has become the Asian symbol for longevity, according to The George Mateljan Foundation's website The World's Healthiest Foods.
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Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient involved in many metabolic pathways. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms per day for adults over the age of 19. Pregnant and lactating women are advised to consume slightly more, 2.6 and 2.
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Breastfeeding is best for mothers and their babies, according to many authorities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But some moms may worry that they're not getting sufficient nutrients to pass along to their babies.
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Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). ALA is termed an essential fat because it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
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Although problematic when consumed in excessive amounts, unrefined raw sugar is a better alternative to white sugar, since it retains minerals. USDA guidelines suggest limiting added sugars in any form so as not to displace nutrient-dense foods.
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The first Dunkin' Donuts opened in Massachusetts in 1950. The chain now serves over three million people a day across the world in over 8,000 stores. Nearly 2,500 Dunkin' Donuts stores are located in 31 countries outside of the United States including Kuwait, China, New Zealand and Chile.
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Since its opening in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks has served up millions of coffee drinks in a wide variety of flavors. Often these drinks contain high calorie and sugar counts where you may not expect it.
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McDonald's is a global chain that opened in 1955, and has since been in the forefront of the fast food industry. Besides burgers and fries, a variety of other options are available at McDonald's. The frappes are one of the newer products on the McDonalds menu.
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McDonald's is generally known for its burgers, fries and sodas. Recently, however, the restaurant has added smoothies, blended coffee drinks and other drinks to the menu. The drinks imitate coffee shop blended drinks, offering similar drinks for a lower price.
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Protein molecules are composed of sub-units called amino acids. Twenty different amino acids are found in proteins in the body. Nine are essential amino acids, which means they must be derived from food, and the remaining 11 are nonessential, as the body can manufacture them if necessary. According to "
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Potassium is an essential element that helps maintain the balance between body cells and fluid. It also plays a key role in enabling nerves to respond to stimulation. Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, occurs when the level of potassium in the blood is less than 2.5 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
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Calcium begins to accumulate teen males' arteries but women typically do not get the calcium buildup until after menopause because estrogen protects women.
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Originating in Southern China’s Fujian province, oolong is a traditional Chinese tea whose oxidation level lies somewhere between green and black tea. When processed, these teas are either rolled into long, curly leaves or pressed into a ball-like form.
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While it is a wonderful thing to have a kitchen full of fresh fruits and vegetables, its joy is diminished when these foods spoil before there is a chance to eat them.
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Caffeine has gained a lot of attention over the last couple decades, leading to more informed consumers. The reasons for the attention stem from concerns about cancer, anxiety, headaches and jittery stomachs. The amount of caffeine varies significantly between beverages and brands.
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While many people know that fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, the average American consumes just 15 grams a day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health -- far less than the recommended 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.
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According to the American Chemical Society, "black rice is a nutritious and economical food source that is estimated to feed about one third of the world's population." Also known as forbidden rice, black rice has a sticky texture and a nutty flavor.
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Vegan diets offer a buffet of food for thought. Health and lifestyle choices weigh heavily into the discussion of pros and cons. Studies cite numerous health benefits associated with plant-based diets. As with any diet, however, education is required to ensure you get a proper balance of nutrients.
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