Nutritional health is achieved through the therapeutic use of whole foods, safe culinary preparation, and understanding the metabolic impacts of specific dietary frameworks and ingredients.
Probiotics are microorganisms — typically bacteria — that are thought to be beneficial to digestion and in preventing certain illnesses. Sometimes called "good" or "friendly" bacteria, probiotics are available in supplement form and are added to foods such as yogurt.
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Cranberry juice contains a number of nutrients such as vitamins C, E and K that your body needs. Along with being a rich source of antioxidants, cranberry juice contains calcium, phosphorus and potassium, and it is low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
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Sweet sesame seed balls are a Chinese sweet treat usually eaten on special occasions such as Chinese New Year. Only a few ingredients are needed to make sweet sesame seed balls, including brown candy -- also known as peen tong -- glutinous rice flour, red bean paste and sesame seeds.
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Cooking frozen fish is safe, but the results don't always turn out quite as well as when you cook defrosted fillets. The exterior of frozen fish often overcooks before the inside fully thaws and cooks through, which is a particular concern with dry-heat methods like grilling or pan searing.
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Ginger, a spice obtained from the root of Zingiber officinale, is native to southeastern Asia but now grows throughout the tropical regions of the Unites States, West Indies, China and India.
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Carbohydrates, fats and proteins form a group of essential nutrients called macronutrients. The prefix “macro” indicates that you need these nutrients in large quantities, which is one of three factors these macronutrients have in common.
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The increased fluid intake from drinking tea can lead to more frequent urination. As well, some teas also contain diuretic compounds or are natural diuretics, which can also increase urination.
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Cayenne pepper is a chili pepper that belongs to the nightshade family of plants, which includes paprika, tomato and eggplant. The peppers are dried and powdered and used to make hot sauces and add spicy heat to foods, such as Buffalo-style chicken wings.
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Thai cuisine varies widely throughout Thailand, but nearly all regions have curry dishes. When you go to a Thai restaurant, you are almost certain to encounter red, green or yellow curries with possible ingredients such as noodles, high-protein foods, vegetables, spices, peanuts and coconut sauce.
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Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein that constitutes 20 percent of milk protein. It’s normally consumed in powder form by athletes and bodybuilders to increase protein intake and improve body composition. Whey protein doesn’t cause heart problems, but may instead improve heart health.
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Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules that are the building blocks of all proteins in food and in the body. They can be used as energy, yielding about 4 calories per gram, but their primary purpose is the synthesis and maintenance of body proteins including, but not limited to, muscle mass.
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Dietary fiber can help lower your blood cholesterol, balance blood sugar levels and support your weight loss efforts, all while regulating the digestion system. The recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber per day is 38 g for men and 25 g for women. There are two forms of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble.
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Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods and is also available as a supplement. It is an antioxidant and may help to prevent or delay certain diseases. Iron is an essential mineral that is important for a number of functions by the body. Vitamin E and iron may interact at high doses.
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A 12-ounce beer can range in calories from 140 to 200, and a light beer averages 100 calories or more. While it can add flavor to food, beer also increases the calories in a recipe and may add alcohol, depending on how it is prepared.
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Sulfur and iodine are essential natural elements for healthy cells. Sulfur is a component of many amino acids, proteins, vitamins and hormones. It’s important for healthy hair, skin and digestion. Iodine is necessary for your thyroid to function properly.
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Blueberries owe their deep hue to anthocyanins, a class of powerful antioxidants that are blue-violet in color. Supplement manufacturers have started isolating these healthy components to produce blueberry extract, giving you the benefits without the berry.
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Kimchi jjigae is a traditional Korean stew made with kimchi -- spicy, fermented cabbage -- and pork broth. Often included in the stew are pieces of pork, green onions and spicy Korean red pepper chili, also known as gochugaru. The stew is generally served spicy, but the heat can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
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Discovering a new vegetable can instantly provide inspiration in the kitchen. Sometimes, you have to literally dig deep. Celery root, which is also known as celeriac, is an edible root vegetable that is whitish-brown in color and has a taste reminiscent of celery and parsley.
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Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, may provide a number of health benefits, including lowering your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer. Fish oil supplements may also help you lower you triglyceride levels.
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Succulent chicken breasts wrapped in savory bacon aren't the best choice for calorie-conscious diners or those trying to limit their fat intake, but it's just the thing if you're willing to allow yourself an occasional decadent treat.
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