Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a type of saturated fatty acid. A saturated fat can be detrimental in high quantities, but lauric acid has microbial properties, so it can help protect against bacterial infection, notes Paul May, professor at Bristol University in England.
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Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is necessary for a variety of functions in your body, but its role in cardiovascular health has been of special focus.
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A constipated child is a cranky child, and chronic constipation can lead to painful anal fissures and impacted stool. Parents want to give their child the most gentle-sounding remedy available, and some people assume that aloe vera juice is a safe, all-natural laxative.
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You might be familiar with calamari, deep fried rings of squid served with a side sauce or a lemon wedge, but squid ink is likely less familiar, even though it comes from the same source. Squid produce ink as a defense mechanism.
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A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of your colon, or large intestine. The doctor screens for signs of colon cancer and identifies and removes colon polyps, which are small growths.
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Multivitamins are supplements that contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs. The contents of a multivitamin can vary, so it is possible to find a multivitamin that does not contain the B complex.
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People who follow the Blood Type Diet, developed by naturopath Peter J. D'Adamo, believe you can lose weight, become more energetic and enhance your health by eating foods specified for your particular blood type.
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Kalamata olives are known as a black olive, although they are actually dark purple in color. Native to Greece, Kalamata olives can be eaten plain or chopped up to be used in a dish. Made from fully ripe olives, Kalamata olives are marinated in olive oil or vinegar and are widely available in grocery stores.
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The American Heart Association suggests eating fish at least two times a week, especially fatty fish high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids--eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. People who can’t get enough of these omega-3s through diet sometimes take fish oil capsules as a supplement.
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Gout occurs when you have too much uric acid in your bloodstream, resulting in the buildup of painful uric acid crystals in your joints. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in many foods.
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Taurine, an amino acid, is used by the body for liver and brain functions. Your body produces taurine from metabolizing vitamin B-6, methionine and cysteine. Doctors may recommend taurine supplements for congestive heart failure, angina, cystic fibrosis and other respiratory and heart conditions.
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Most likely, your headache isn't caused by a withdrawal from carbohydrates, but rather a withdrawal from a specific type of carbohydrate -- sugar. When you eat a high-sugar diet, your body quickly becomes adjusted to a ready supply of glucose, your body's preferred source of energy.
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Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an overproduction or excessive presence of two key thyroid gland hormones called triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. Caffeine consumption will not trigger the onset of hyperthyroidism.
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Raisins are a popular snack in the United States, with over 317,000 tons produced in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After studies touted the health benefits of the resveratrol found in red grapes, there was hope that dried raisins would also contain levels of this beneficial antioxidant.
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During a thyroidectomy, or surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, damage to the parathyroid glands, located on the thyroid, can occur. Your calcium levels can drop below normal as a result of the surgery because the parathyroids regulate calcium levels in your blood.
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Kefir is similar to yogurt, but it has a thinner consistency and contains yeast in addition to the beneficial probiotics found in yogurt. Plain kefir has a tart flavor, but the food also comes in fruit and vegetable flavors.
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Iron is one of the essential nutrients the body needs to function normally. The body uses iron to transport oxygen throughout the body, including to tissues and muscles, and to maintain cell growth and behavior. Iron deficiency deprives the cells in your body of oxygen, which can cause iron deficiency anemia.
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In an effort to help parents feed their children healthy and nutritiously balanced meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created the “MyPlate” nutrition icon. The icon divides a typical dinner plate into four sections for grains, proteins, vegetables and fruits.
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Sperm, which holds the male DNA, must be able to move back and forth and propel itself to penetrate the female egg. Fertile males have healthy sperm that swim well, but males with impaired fertility may have a lower sperm count, or sperm that do not swim as well.
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Oxycodone is a type of prescription pain reliever that belongs to the narcotic group of analgesics. Like other types of pain medication, oxycodone can cause stomach irritation and nausea in some individuals.
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