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.
Juicing raw vegetables and fruits can be a valuable addition to an already healthy diet. As with all foods, however, natural juices aren’t miracle cures for any medical condition, and the American Cancer Society reports there’s no scientific evidence that natural juices are any healthier for you than whole foods.
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Approximately 80 percent of people suffer from constipation at some point in their lives, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
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Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that provide the most desirable form of energy for your body in the form of glucose. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and provides energy to your cells.
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Two different conditions require avoidance of wheat: a wheat allergy and celiac disease. A wheat allergy causes reactions ranging from hives to difficulty breathing.
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Sugar is ubiquitous, cropping up in most of the processed foods and beverages on the market. Too much added sugar in your diet can depress your immune system and increase your risk of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. It can also promote depression, anxiety and cognitive problems.
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As the most concentrated amino acid in your body, L-glutamine -- also known as glutamine -- is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Because it fuels white blood cells and other rapidly dividing body cells, glutamine is indispensable to immune system function and tissue repair.
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Muscovado sugar is often touted as a natural, unrefined alternative to brown sugar. It owes its strong flavor, high moisture content and ultra-dark color to molasses, the “impurity” that’s stripped out of more refined sugars.
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Your kidneys are one of your body’s major filtration devices. They maintain your electrolyte and fluid balance, and they pull waste products out of the blood. When you have decreased kidney function, they are no longer able to perform as well as they should.
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Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a leading source of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Grinding the glossy brown seeds into fine particles is what unlocks their nutritional benefits, as whole flaxseeds are so small they usually pass through the intestinal tract undigested.
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If you suffer from constipation, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the company of 42 million Americans, or 15 percent of the U.S. population. Constipation, which is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having only dry, hard stools, is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems.
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The macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, fat and protein, are the only nutrients that provide you with calories. Your body needs these nutrients in large amounts to function properly.
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With their long, slender stems, ultra-small caps and creamy white color, enoki mushrooms are more elegant than the average fungus. These crisp, mildly sweet mushrooms -- known as “snow puffs” in their native Japan -- grow in bouquetlike clusters and are traditionally eaten raw or lightly cooked.
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Introduced in 1982, Ferrero Rocher is the most popular chocolate worldwide in its candy category. It's bumpy round shape and unique gold wrapper make Ferrero Rocher stand out from all other chocolates on the shelf.
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Flax oil provides many health benefits and may provide relief from hot flashes and breast pain, control cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Flax oil is more beneficial than flaxseed for certain health conditions, such as arthritis. Before taking flaxseed products, speak to your doctor.
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The ingredients in whole food vitamins are from foods in their natural state, including concentrated portions of whole fruits and vegetables, not synthetic extracts. Whole food vitamins benefit the body nutritionally by keeping all the nutrients and vitamins intact.
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BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation based on your weight and height that is used to determine your body fat percentage. The general rule is that the higher your BMI, the higher your body fat percentage.
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Hot peppers, or chilis, get their heat from an oily chemical compound called capsaicin, found primarily in the membrane surrounding the seeds. Capsaicin boosts thermogenesis -- the process by which the body turns calories into heat to use for fuel -- in studies on humans and animals.
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Legumes have long been a primary source of sustenance and protein in the global diet. This tremendously large family of vegetables includes fresh and dried peas and beans as well as lentils, alfalfa, carob and peanuts.
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You don’t have to be a meat eater to get ample protein in your meals and snacks. Nuts and seeds provide good amounts of protein in modestly sized servings, making them a smart choice for protein when you’re running between meetings or heading to the gym.
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When you start a new diet, your body is bound to change. You may lose weight, and your skin may clear up. But on the other hand, you may feel dizzy and tired, at least initially. While some symptoms are normal in the beginning stages of a new diet, consult your doctor if dizziness and fatigue are persistent or severe.
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