Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Oligofructose is a form of dietary fiber found in vegetables and other plants, but it's available as a supplement also. A prebiotic, it serves as food for "friendly" bacteria that live in your intestines. In addition, it's a soluble fiber, which means it dissolves in water.
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If you're having difficulty passing stools, you may be constipated. Although certain medications, a lack of exercise and other factors can play a role in constipation, you can often treat this condition through dietary changes. One such dietary change is drinking more liquids, such as fruit juice.
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Olive leaf extract is a supplement used to boost your immune system. It acts as a natural pathogen killer, fighting various strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
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Alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, citric acid and lactic acid, and are commonly included in various skin care products.
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Although you cannot see it, water--in the form of a gas called vapor--is all around you in the air. The amount of water vapor in the air is called the humidity, and you can control the humidity of your home with a dehumidifier.
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Despite legal initiatives and public education campaigns, drunk driving remains a serious problem in the United States. In 2008, more than 1.
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Curcumin, the substance that imparts a golden color to the spice turmeric, plays a starring role in several global cuisines. It's also known for its therapeutic properties.
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Children can thrive on a vegetarian diet, but it takes some planning to ensure that they do not suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Growing children, in particular, need adequate protein, calcium, iron and vitamin D. Vegan children should also make sure they get enough B12.
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Coconut oil has both advocates and detractors when it comes to health and nutrition; on one hand, its proponents claim that it can dramatically benefit the skin, hair, cardiac system, thyroid and digestive system, as well as seek out and inhibit free radicals that cause premature aging.
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Flax seed and flax seed oil are excellent sources of alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts to essential omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed has many health benefits, according to the Cleveland Clinic, including reducing blood triglyceride levels, blood pressure, blood clot formation and inflammatory response.
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Neem is used in Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicine to treat conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and tooth decay. The oil is used as a pesticide and as an ingredient is cosmetics.
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Aloe vera has a number of medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as it is effective in soothing the skin and reducing inflammation, according to Aloe-Vera-Research.org. Aloe vera comes from the aloe vera plant but is typically sold as a topical solution that is used for sunburns, rashes, acne and overall skin health.
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Sugar can be found naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables or added into foods like soda, milk, yogurt and cereals. Face the Facts USA reports that an average person consumes 100 pounds of sugar per year, or almost 30 tablespoons per day.
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Chaste tree berry, or Vitex, comes from a small tree native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that women have used chaste tree berry for thousands of years to treat menstrual problems, infertility and other gynecological issues.
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Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are challenges for almost everyone. It's tough to find the time and motivation to devote to a healthy diet and workout routine, and to balance those factors with other activities.
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Generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, magnesium carbonate can be used in both foods and medicines. It's a form of magnesium, which you need in small amounts for good health.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat that is found in a variety of foods. Some people choose to supplement omega-3 fatty acids by taking fish oils as well. The reason that omega-3 fatty acids have become so popular in recent years is that they provide a plethora of nutritional benefits.
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If you regularly eat salmon, you are probably well aware of the potential health effects of mercury. Typically, salmon is available as wild or farm raised.
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Disodium phosphate is a food additive that combines the minerals phosphate, or phosphorus, and sodium. Phosphate salts are also sometimes used as medicine, and they're generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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If you take supplements such as Vitamin E or fish oil, you've probably encountered soft gel capsules. Usually oblong and translucent, these capsules have an appealing look and a smooth finish that makes them easier to swallow. But what are they, exactly?
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