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.
Found in certain tree bark, cinnamon is an aromatic spice well known for its versatility in cooking, and its ability to reduce blood sugar and soothe an upset stomach. Cinnamon, however, can have several negative health effects if eaten in too great a quantity or when paired with particular drugs.
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As a trace mineral, iron is a nutrient you need in small amounts. This essential substance is a component of enzymes and proteins. Iron also controls cell development and makes it possible for red blood cells to transport oxygen to every area of your body.
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Bananas provide many nutrients that are essential for good health. They are relatively low in calories -- providing about 121 per large banana -- and high in fiber, in addition to offering several vitamins and minerals. Banana fruit can be eaten plain or sliced and served in sandwiches, fruit cups, custards and salads.
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The creamy richness of whole milk may tempt you to pour it in your cereal bowl unless you stop to consider the fat content. Americans purchased about 5 percent less whole milk in 2010 than in 2009, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Carbohydrates, protein and lipids are macronutrients that provide the body with calories. Nutrients are required for proper growth, metabolism and most body functions. While both macro and micronutrients are important for good health, macronutrients are necessary in large amounts.
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Edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the body, most commonly occurs in the lower extremities of the legs and feet. This condition, however, can also occur in the hands and can be caused by cardiac insufficiency, hormonal fluctuations or sodium intake.
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Black pepper and turmeric are aromatic spices that not only add unique flavors to food but also have a variety of health benefits. Turmeric, Curcuma Ionga, is a member of the ginger family and one of the main spices in curry, which is a blend of herbs commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine.
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Juicing vegetables offers many health benefits because vegetables are rich in nutrients. Some vegetables are more nutrient-dense and make better candidates for juicing than others.
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Ramen noodles don't have a reputation for causing diarrhea, but they do contain ingredients that could trigger digestive distress in people with allergies and sensitivities. The noodles contain gluten, wheat and soybeans, while the flavor packet may have milk and monosodium glutamate in its ingredients.
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If you're eating a high-protein diet to lose weight or increase muscle mass, your body may be producing high amounts of urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Urea builds up in your blood, and the excess is excreted by the kidneys through your urine.
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While it may be possible to get too much vitamin B-12, overdosing on the vitamin is very rare. Becoming deficient in B-12 is a much more common health problem. It is important to carefully monitor how much vitamin B-12 you take to ensure that you do not take too much or too little.
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Almonds are a convenient snack for almost any occasion. They also make a tasty accompaniment to salad, vegetable dishes, cereal and yogurt. Almonds are not only packed with heart-healthy nutrients, but as part of a balanced diet, they might prevent or reduce arthritis.
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You can get a variety of infections in your mouth from yeast to bacterial. While apple cider vinegar is purported to have an affect on infections of all types, it is primarily thought to help with yeast or fungal infections in the mouth above overs. If you are suffering from severe symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
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Your sense of smell, called olfaction, plays a role in your health and your quality of life. Olfaction can alert you to the presence of dangerous and toxic material nearby to help you avoid disease, or can allow you to enjoy the flavors in the foods you eat.
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Protein is an essential nutrient needed to maintain and repair the cells in your body -- it also plays a key role in healthy weight management, according to a review published in 2008 in the โAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Phytoestrogens are a food and herbal means of affecting the estrogen levels in your body. These substances have a weaker action than hormone replacement therapy or the estrogen that your body makes, and this can benefit you by blocking hormone receptors or providing a low-level estrogen effect.
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Optimum Nutrition is part of Glanbia, a cheese and nutritional manufacturer. It offers nutritional products in every category, including protein powders, nutrition bars and vitamin supplements, according to the Optimum Nutrition website.
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Pineapples and other fruit contain natural chemical compounds that are beneficial to the body for many reasons. These compounds include fruit enzymes that help to facilitate body reactions, break down foods during digestion and dissolve blood clots.
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Caffeine and ginseng extract are two ingredients that commonly appear in energy drinks. While both compounds have been linked to increased sensations of alertness and mental acuity, the manner in which each one affects the body is considerably different.
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Inflammation can cause pain, swelling and redness or a heat sensation, but it can also be helpful. The inflammatory response helps seal off injuries, eliminates bacterial invasions and disposes of damaged tissue. However, too much of a good thing can also cause problems like autoimmune disorders, according to Peter A.
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