Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
The glycemic index -- or GI -- is a scale that ranks foods depending on how they affect your blood sugar. Pure glucose, which raises your blood sugar quickly, has a glycemic index score of 100. So if you’re aiming to manage your blood sugar levels, you’ll want to stay away from foods that have a high GI score.
Read more →
The hot sauce you add to your eggs and chili did not cause your ulcer, but continuing to add it may not make you feel any better. Gastric ulcers are caused by a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori.
Read more →
Citric acid is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. High concentrations of it are found in lemons and limes, according to ScienceDaily.com, a medical news site. The natural preservative is often used to add a sour taste to foods and soft drinks.
Read more →
There is good news for all you coffee drinkers out there. Coffee isn't merely that jolt you depend on to get your day started, it provides numerous health benefits as well. Much like alcohol and chocolate, coffee has a historically bad reputation.
Read more →
Sugar cravings often strike after a meal, despite feelings of fullness. Habits, brain chemistry and your diet’s makeup cause you to crave sweets. You can learn to fight the cravings, but only after you understand why they occur.
Read more →
Millions of people in the United States take vitamin and mineral supplements to ward off colds, flu, diseases and to improve their overall health. Some supplements, especially calcium, iron and Vitamin C in high doses, can lead to stomach upset, gas and diarrhea.
Read more →
Isopure manufactures protein powder drink mixes that claim to help you build lean muscle tissue, last longer while working out and recover quicker. These whey protein-based powders often contain high concentrations of a variety of nutrients.
Read more →
Air popped popcorn is a crunchy, low-calorie snack. It's a whole-grain food that supplies you with a small amount of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Choose popcorn in place of chips, pretzels or crackers to limit your calorie and fat intake.
Read more →
People sometimes drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water in an attempt to lose weight, cleanse their bodies of toxins, lower their blood sugar levels or treat infections. Research results aren't conclusive enough to support these uses, and there are potential adverse effects from drinking apple cider vinegar.
Read more →
Raspberries provide high levels of vitamins and other nutrients as well as being delicious. Medicinal properties and botanical benefits have been of interest since the time of Jesus, reports the Berry Health Benefits Network of Oregon State University.
Read more →
Glycerin is an organic compound known more formally as glycerol. Its common sources are animal fat and vegetable oil. Glycerin is a clear, odorless liquid at room temperature, and it has a sweet taste. It’s most commonly used in soap and is also a common ingredient in many pharmaceuticals.
Read more →
While fruits and vegetables generally tend to be among the lower-calorie foods, some are surprisingly high in calories. Eating these foods can be a good thing if you are looking for a healthy way to gain weight.
Read more →
The piriformis muscle is one of the most irritated spots on a human body. It attaches to the outside of each hip and to your sacrum, the spine’s lowest section. Its job is to turn your leg outward. The major issue for many people is that the sciatic nerve runs through or under the piriformis muscle.
Read more →
When choosing a protein supplement, consider whether you have food allergies or intolerances and what your goal is -- weight loss, muscle building, improved sports performance or better overall nutrition.
Read more →
Acai berries are marketed as a "super food" and touted for their health benefits and supposed weight loss effect. While acai berries offer many nutritional benefits, there are also dangers associated with acai berry supplements. The red berry is grown in South America.
Read more →
L-Leucine is an important amino acid needed for muscle-building. As on of the branch chain amino acids, leucine is essential to all bodybuilders because it is by far the most anabolic, or muscle building, according to the June 2013 "Journal of Physiology."
Read more →
With all the bad press that calories and fat receive, you’d think that they are bad things. While it’s true that many people eat far more fat and calories than is necessary, we all need a certain amount of fat and calories for growth and activities.
Read more →
The term "calories from fat" refers to the percentage of calories in a serving of food that come from fat rather than from carbohydrates or protein. This figure is listed on nutrition labels for most foods.
Read more →
Nitric oxide, or NO, supplements are made up of L-arginine (L-arg, arginine hydrochloride, Sargenor, Spedifen), a compound that your body then converts into NO after consumption. It is used in supplements to cause blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation), which might benefit people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read more →
Garlic and apple cider vinegar have long been advocated as home remedies for many health purposes. Research is ongoing, and some of it has been promising when it comes to lowering high blood pressure. Garlic and apple cider vinegar have been cited as ways to restore health.
Read more →