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.
Yams and sweet potatoes are botanically distinct, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Yams have pale flesh and grow in Asia and Africa, while sweet potatoes have bright orange or yellow flesh and grow in tropical regions of the Americas, explains the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Read more →
Honeybush tea is a beverage derived from plants in the Cyclopia family, and is regarded for its potential impact on health. The beverage is sweet tasting and has a history of use as a folk remedy, with recent scientific evidence supporting some the tea's purported effects.
Read more →
Nature has adapted to pollution and stresses in the environment which have influenced the evolution of the natural water purification process. Both natural and man-made impacts can affect water quality.
Read more →
Kids need plenty of calories on a daily basis to grow and develop properly -- but children who eat too many calories, especially those who are inactive, are at risk for childhood obesity. Your child’s individualized calorie needs are based on age, gender and activity level.
Read more →
Oatmeal is a nutrient-packed breakfast, filled with healthy fiber and complex carbohydrates that can reduce your risk of diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Whether you choose old-fashioned, quick or instant oats, you’ll get the same calorie amount per 1/2-cup serving.
Read more →
Your body's acidity or alkalinity may be a symptom of an underlying illness. You can find out if your body is acidic or alkaline by measuring its pH. The pH scale ranges from 0, which is very acidic, to 14, which is very basic. Pure water has a pH of 7, which is completely neutral.
Read more →
Purine is a compound found in many foods, but mainly those of animal origin. When you consume purine-containing food, your body produces uric acid as a result. This usually isn't a problem for most individuals. Uric acid, however, can become too high, either from reduced excretion or eating too many purine-rich foods.
Read more →
Eggs, rich in high-quality protein, are a nutritious and inexpensive meat substitute. Low in calories, they great when alone or used in a wide variety of recipes, such as sauces and baked goods.
Read more →
Excessive bloating, burping and passing gas is uncomfortable, but rarely a sign of a serious condition. Certain foods in your diet can cause flatulence -- excess gas in the digestive tract. Antibiotics, irritable bowel syndrome and problems absorbing certain nutrients are other common causes.
Read more →
Your body needs vitamins to operate at its optimal level. Two distinct kinds of vitamins exist: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins consist of vitamins A, E, D and K, while water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins and vitamin C.
Read more →
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained through dietary sources, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Recommendations are made for vitamin B-6 and other vitamins to ensure adequate intake. Seek a registered dietitian for the best food sources that contain adequate amounts of vitamin B-6.
Read more →
Fast food tastes so good to many people, in part because restaurants add a liberal amount of salt to their food. This also means the items are too high in sodium to be healthy.
Read more →
The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet was designed by husband and wife duo Dr. Rachael Heller and Dr. Richard Heller. First published in 1993, the book is based on the premise that many people are addicted to carbs, which leads to unstable blood sugar and energy levels and ultimately results in weight gain.
Read more →
Sodium benzoate is added to soft drinks as a preservative and a bacteria-destroying agent. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that significant numbers of people report allergic reactions to the compound.
Read more →
All proteins are made up of the same basic compounds, known as amino acids. Cysteine, an amino acid that can be synthesized by the body or consumed in certain foods, is one.
Read more →
Vodka and wine are two alcoholic beverages that you might be able to consume without wrecking your diet, as both are fairly low in calories. Remember, though, that moderation is the key, particularly when it comes to alcohol, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture warns can have harmful effects if consumed heavily.
Read more →
Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). ALA is termed an essential fat because it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
Read more →
Caffeine affects the body in a variety of ways. It stimulates the central nervous system, improves mood and creates feelings of alertness, reduced fatigue, boosted endurance and mental activity. It speeds up the heart and constricts the blood vessels.
Read more →
Although the amino acid arginine is mostly used in sports nutrition supplements, it is also the main ingredient in Pro Argi-9 L Arginine, which claims to have numerous general health benefits.
Read more →
Coenzyme Q-10 helps produce energy and neutralizes harmful free radicals. When you have enough coenzyme Q-10 in your system, the fat-soluble nutrient can help protect all cells, reducing your overall risk of developing chronic diseases.
Read more →