The pineapple originated in Brazil and Paraguay. Native Americans spread it throughout South and Central America to the West Indies before Spanish Conquistador Christopher Columbus carried it to Europe. Comprised of many smaller fruits fused into one, the pineapple is known for its simultaneously tart and sweet flavor.
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Decadent Belgian waffles covered with syrup, berries and whipped cream are the foods that dreams are made of; but are they healthy? People often convince themselves that certain foods are good for them then their nutritional content is at best dubious. But waffles, when prepared correctly, might actually make the cut.
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Many Americans take dietary supplements to prevent deficiencies, or avail from their potential benefits. Unfortunately, the nutritional requirements of smokers differ considerably than nonsmokers, and taking multivitamins may do more harm than good for smokers.
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Infrared heat is the type of electromagnetic radiation used in microwave ovens. Because infrared heat penetrates and agitates food molecules instead of heating the surrounding area, food cooks very quickly. This feature gave microwave ovens vast popularity particularly in North America.
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Black radish, or Raphinus sativus L. var. niger, is a round, white-fleshed, dark-purple-skinned radish. As a member of the cabbage family, black radish contains the same cancer-protective compounds found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other members of this large group of temperate-zone vegetables.
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Oleic acid, or Omega-9, is a pale yellow, oily liquid with a lard-like odor. It is also a monounsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids are the main components of food fats, oils and fat deposits in animals and man.
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Though the functions of foods are the same, the six food groups of the food guide pyramid have evolved. The United States Department of Agriculture transformed the food guide pyramid into a new icon for dietary guidelines, the MyPlate Guide.
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From diet drinks to sweet treats, aspartame is one of the most popular low-calorie sweeteners. Despite its presence in diet foods, aspartame is not calorie-free, it contains 4 calories per gram.
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Balsamic vinegar’s tangy and sweet properties make it an adaptable ingredient, but it is also a nutritional powerhouse. Vinegar was first discovered 10,000 years ago by accident. Wine that had fermented too long in casks produced an acidic, flavorful product that was also used for it's medicinal qualities.
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If you are trying to curb your caffeine intake, you can still enjoy the experience of coffee by drinking a decaffeinated variety. Before you reach for your next cup of decaf, know that decaf coffee is not necessarily caffeine-free.
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Good news for mindful moms-to-be: You can add chia seeds to the list of “safe” foods during pregnancy. Chia is a versatile seed that contains many key nutrients important for a healthy pregnancy.
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Almond flour has a nutritional advantage over many processed flours in that it contains the same nutrient profile as whole almonds. Whole or ground, almonds have more nutrients per serving than any other tree nut. The terms almond flour and meal are often used interchangeably.
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Though pickles often star in supporting roles next to deli sandwiches and ballpark hot dogs, they shouldn't be relegated to the land of condiments. Pickles stand out as flavorful, low-calorie vegetables and are high in vitamin K.
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Your doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 injections if you have low levels of B12 in your blood, a condition known as vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency can result if you don't eat enough of certain foods, particularly meat, poultry and seafood, or if you have an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food.
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Powdered cayenne pepper and chili powder may look similar, but they taste very different. While both of these spices contain capsaicin, the substance in hot peppers that makes your mouth burn, cayenne pepper usually packs a bigger punch.
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Whole grain rice, also known as brown rice, is simply white rice that hasn't been hulled. During the hulling process, whole grain rice is stripped of its outer bran and germ components, leaving just the endosperm. This is what we commonly know as white rice.
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Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The two main symptoms include, joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over a period of time.
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5 HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is not present in a typical diet. It has to be manufactured from an essential amino acid called tryptophan, which is found in most dietary proteins.
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Most pasta products on supermarket shelves contain wheat flour. Exceptions include rice noodles or pasta that has been made using ingredients other than wheat, such as buckwheat or mung bean starch.
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Peanut butter not only tastes good, it's good for you. When you include peanut butter in your breakfast, you fuel your body with fiber, protein and healthy fats to satisfy you till lunchtime. Be sure to purchase natural peanut butter -- the ingredients should be peanuts, and perhaps a touch of salt.
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