Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Vegemite is a type of savory yeast extract spread, often eaten on crackers, toast or in sandwiches, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, where it originated. Similar to the British spread Marmite, Vegemite has a milder flavor and a smell sometimes described as being similar to soy sauce.
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Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene are all considered antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radical damage within cells can lead to cancer.
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Your physician may recommend iron supplements to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is crucial for the proper production of red blood cells. Pregnancy, poor diet, excessive bleeding or other medical problems may put you at risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.
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Naturally smoked oysters packed in olive oil not only make a delicious treat, but also pack a nutritional punch. Raw, fresh oysters are typically steamed then smoked to enhance the flavor.
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Like a column in a building, your spine is responsible for supporting the weight of your body. Over time, this job begins to take its toll on the discs, the firm cushions that separate your vertebrae -- the bones that make up your spine.
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Refined foods are processed foods that lack many of the nutrients they once had. They generally add a lot of calories to your diet, when compared to the amount of nutrients they contribute. The refining process refers specifically to carbohydrates such as grains and sugars.
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If you enjoy the taste of a raw-egg protein shake before or after your workout, it is important to understand the health risks involved with eating raw eggs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that consuming uncooked eggs puts a person at risk of acquiring salmonella.
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The Merck Manual characterizes a high sodium level, or hypernatremia, as too much sodium in the body in relation to the amount of water. Sodium is found in the blood and the fluid around the cells and is regulated by the kidneys. Sodium may increase to a high level when the amount of water excreted is excessive.
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Alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, is a protein found in all body tissues. The bones, liver and bile ducts usually contain higher concentrations of ALP than other body tissues. Normal ALP levels range from a low of 44 international units per liter to a high of 147 International Units per Liter, according to MedlinePlus.
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Finding high-calorie foods yet low in cholesterol and fat can be difficult, because the fat in foods contributes to overall calories. Some people need to find high calorie foods in order to gain weight and increase lean muscle, while others need calories for weight gain but must watch their cholesterol intake.
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According to Carl Ege of the Utah Geological Survey, most people have no idea to what degree minerals are a part of every day life. In "What Are Minerals Used for," Ege uses his perspective as a geologist to illustrate how minerals are an integral part of our daily surroundings.
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One of the maladies everyone experiences but no one likes to talk about is constipation. Constipation can be caused by a number of factors like poor diet, medications, changes in lifestyle or even aging. While there is no shortage of over-the-counter medicines to combat constipation, sometimes simpler is better.
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Guarana is a substance often added to energy drinks that's derived from seeds of a Brazilian or Venezuelan shrub. These seeds are loaded with caffeine and are used in pills, drinks and supplements. Although it's effective for an energy boost and weight loss, guarana can have nasty side effects.
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Numerous diseases are associated with vitamin deficiency. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin deficiencies, can affect anybody, although young children and pregnant women in certain developing nations are more commonly affected than others.
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Metamucil, also known by the generic name psyllium, is a bulk-forming laxative used to treat constipation. Bulk-forming laxatives work by absorbing liquids in the intestines and swelling up, thus causing the formation of an easy to pass, bulky stool. Metamucil is available in powder, granule and wafer form.
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Although macadamia nut butter is not as common as peanut butter, you may find that it is an appropriate substitute, as it offers a similar nutritional profile. Like peanut butter, macadamia nut butter is high in fat but low in saturated fat.
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The term "nappy hair" is most often used to define hair that is worn in its natural state. This normally refers to hair that is unaltered by chemical styling processes. The decision to wear hair in its natural state is usually made to suit personal convictions -- whether religious or political.
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While sodium is found in most foods, vegetables and fruits are naturally low in the nutrient. If sodium intake is a concern for you, becoming aware of the few vegetables and fruits with higher sodium contents may benefit you when it comes to planning your diet.
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Uric acid is the result of your body breaking down purines, substances found in various foods. Your kidneys filter uric acid from the blood, where it is then excreted in urine. When uric acid remains high, you can develop gout or kidney stones.
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A balanced diet provides your body with the vital nutrients it needs to build and maintain healthy cells, tissues and organs, which are crucial for proper growth and development.
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