Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Eating unhealthy foods on a regular basis may contribute to health problems. Studies continue to show the negative effects of many common unhealthy food products. For optimal health and wellness, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains -- and save the empty calories for occasional treats.
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Dietary supplements are big business in the United States. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 53 percent of the adult population takes at least one nutritional supplement. Calcium is the leading mineral supplement taken by Americans.
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No single food -- or pair of foods -- has the power to add or subtract pounds from your frame. Weight control is all about your overall activity level and the number of calories you eat, not simply whether you include chicken and broccoli in your diet.
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If a change in your diet causes nutrient deficiencies – or dehydration – headaches can occur. But if you’re eating a well-balanced diet and you’re still experiencing chronic headaches, talk with your doctor to help determine the cause, which could be a medical condition.
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Many recipes would suffer without the taste of vanilla, but the cost of real vanilla extract may not make it an attractive option when you are trying to stretch your food dollars. Imitation vanilla flavoring is lower in cost, but it also offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages.
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Fish not only incorporate variety into your diet, but they also benefit your heart. The Harvard School of Public Health notes that eating 6 ounces of fatty fish each week lowers your heart disease risk by more than one-third.
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Your body is made up of about 60 percent water. Every system in your body needs water to function efficiently. According to MayoClinic.com, water helps flush out toxins, carry nutrients to cells and provides a moist environment for your ears, nose and throat.
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Iron, an essential mineral, forms an integral part of enzymes and proteins necessary for vibrant health. The majority of your body’s iron is found in red blood cells, which transport oxygen. The recommended daily intake of iron for men is 8 milligrams and for women is 18 milligrams. According to the U.S.
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Kiwi fruit provide fiber and vitamins C and K. They're also low in calories and energy density, making them a nutritious fruit choice for people trying to lose weight. Kiwi fruit don't actually burn fat, but they can help fill you up without a lot of calories, which may make it easier for you to lose weight.
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Potassium is a mineral essential for the proper function of all the cells, tissues, and organs in your body. Potassium gluconate is one of several types of potassium supplements available to help prevent or treat low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia.
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When you hear about low-carb, you're often told more about the foods you're not allowed to eat -- like grains, potatoes and sweets -- than the ones you are allowed. But eating low-carb doesn't mean deprivation, and you can enjoy a wealth of foods even on a more restrictive low-carb diet.
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Although antibiotics are an effective way to treat bacterial infections, they can disturb the ecological balance within the human body, leading to unintended side effects and an increased risk of certain infections.
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If you have diabetes, you're not alone. More than 25 million Americans 20 and older have the chronic condition, according to American Diabetes Association statistics. Because carbohydrates raise blood sugar more than other food components, diabetes management typically involves monitoring your carb intake.
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Including cooked chicken breast into your diet is one way of meeting the daily protein requirements recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines. The USDA's definition of a healthy diet includes lean meats and foods low in saturated fats and sodium.
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Toned, shapely thighs and buttocks not only fill out a pair of jeans, they'll help you run faster, jump higher and generally be more physically fit. No single food offers the magic bullet for healthy weight gain, though.
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Found in high quantities in coconut and palm kernel oils, lauric acid is considered a “healthier” saturated fat because it is a medium-chain triglyceride. As an MCT, lauric acid is more easily absorbed by the body and has a host of other associated health benefits, including potentially helping with weight loss.
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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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You need phosphate, the main form of phosphorus in your body, to form strong bones and DNA, and you need potassium for proper nerve and muscle function. Although both are essential, some people, including those with kidney problems, may need to limit foods high in these minerals.
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Many individuals fail to give colon health a second thought until problems occurs. You can take steps to maintain or improve colon health before things go awry. For example, you can help prevent colon polyps, which are growths that form inside the lining of the colon.
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Making certain dietary changes may help limit your risk for polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian cancer, although dietary changes alone can't be used to treat or cure either condition.
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