Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is derived from plants, and it is similar to those found in fish oil. It is found in high amounts in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil and in lesser amounts in canola, soy and walnut oils; as well as in soybeans, tofu and pumpkin seeds.
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Himalayan rock salt is also known as pink rock salt because of its distinctive pale pink color. Mined in Pakistan, Himalayan rock salt is a naturally occurring salt rich in a number of minerals.
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Chicken is a staple in many diets -- the average American eats 90 pounds annually, according to the University of South Florida -- and chicken legs' juicy dark meat works well in a variety of dishes. Chicken legs make healthy additions to your diet, too, providing minerals and vitamins your cells require to function.
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Dietary supplements that promise to reverse gray hair may sound tempting, but the truth is scientists have found no way to reverse gray through nutrition. While there isn't much you can do nutritionally to reverse gray hair, you may be able to reverse grays by applying certain substances topically.
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To promote growth, a healthy weight and overall good health, teens need to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups, including grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. This sounds great, but getting your teen to eat right can be a challenge.
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Ranch dressing, a common salad topping, combines ingredients like mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice and herbs and spices. This type of dressing also serves as a creamy, tangy accompaniment to a range of foods, including French fries, fresh vegetables and chicken wings.
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By now you may be aware of the critical importance of getting enough vitamin D, not just for your bones, but to help ward off killer diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
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A good source of protein and bone-building calcium, cheese can certainly have a place in a well-balanced diet. Moderation is key, however, because cheese also contains cholesterol and saturated fat, both of which can raise your blood cholesterol levels.
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Calcium is a vital mineral, not only for bone health, but for proper muscle and nerve function. Hypercalcemia is a condition caused by too much calcium in your blood stream; it usually results not from dietary intake but from a physiological cause.
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Eating apples to keep the doctor away may be a cliché, but it has its origins in the truth. Apples provide multiple nutrients and compounds that help promote good health and weight management.
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Although regular grass provides nutrition and fiber to livestock and other animals, the high cellulose content is difficult for digestion by humans and, as a result, provides very few nutrients.
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Fruit is an important part of a healthful nutrition plan. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommend that adult women consume 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit daily; for men, the recommendation is 2 cups daily. Think of your daily fruit consumption in 1/2-cup serving sizes.
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If you're looking for lean, toned thighs and hips, making some modifications to your diet and exercise routine can help. And while spot reduction -- losing fat from one part of your body, like your thighs or hips -- is a myth, reducing your overall body fat percentage will help you look slimmer.
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The National Kidney Foundation reports that milk and yogurt are high potassium foods. Accordingly, the Foundation recommends that kidney patients whose serum potassium is more than 5.0 mg/dl consume no more than one cup of milk or a 1/2 cup of yogurt a day.
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Niacin has a standard dose of 14 to 18 milligrams daily for average adults older than 18, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doses over 100 milligrams are prescribed by a physician in order to treat specific diseases.
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A reducing sugar is a chemical term for a sugar that acts as a reducing agent and can donate electrons to another molecule. Specifically, a reducing sugar is a type of carbohydrate or natural sugar that contains a free aldehyde or ketone group.
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Soybeans contain rich amounts of vegetable protein. Americans commonly eat soybeans and soy foods in place of animal protein in vegetarian diets, but science suggests soybeans are beneficial for more than just their protein content.
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A heart-healthy diet that focuses on lowering cholesterol can also help strengthen blood vessels, reports a 1998 article in "American Family Physician."
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Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your nutrition or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, salads can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. Although they seem innocent enough, salads can quickly turn treacherous when they’re topped with creamy dressings and packed with fatty, high-calorie mix-ins.
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Chia seeds have been popular in health food circles for years, for good reason -- they're relatively affordable, highly nutritious and have a mild flavor that works in many dishes.
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