Food & Nutrition: Culinary Techniques, Diets & Metabolic Health

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.

Tea Echinacea in glass cup with strainer on board

The Side Effects of Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea is a somewhat controversial treatment for colds and other immune system issues, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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Side Effects of Fenugreek in a Baby

Fenugreek is the most popular galactogogue, or herb used to stimulate an increase in milk production. For centuries, mothers have used fenugreek to increase their milk supply, and today the Food and Drug Administration lists it as GRAS, or generally regarded as safe.

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Sliced oranges on cutting board, close up

What Fruits Have Citric Acid?

Citric acid is commonly linked to citrus fruits, but it occurs naturally in a variety of fruits. Some fruits contain up to eight percent citric acid, with sour fruits predominantly containing the highest percentages. Citric acid has a tangy and bitter flavor.

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Dissolving tablet into glass of water

Acid & Stomach Aches

The stomach secretes juices including hydrochloric acid (HCL) and an enzyme called pepsin. The acid kills bacteria that cause illness and provides an environment that allows pepsin to digest protein. This acid would destroy the lining of the stomach were it not for the layer of mucus that protects the stomach wall.

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Hand pouring cream into coffee

Healthy Substitutes for Coffee Creamers

Coffee creamers are commonly packed with unhealthy ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, known as trans fats, sugar and artificial additives. Typically, these are thought to be healthier than other natural coffee creamers that may contain more calories and fat.

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raw broccoli

Foods for Nail Growth

Maintain healthy and strong nails through a balanced diet rich in biotin, calcium, iron, and protein. Learn about the best foods for promoting normal nail growth and preventing nail problems.

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Health Benefits of Sunlight Lamps

Light therapy, also called phototherapy, is a treatment that uses an artificial sunlight lamp to simulate the natural light that may be lacking at certain times of the year, like the dead of winter. Sunlight lamps provide a more concentrated dose of UV rays and can provide benefits to your mental and physical health.

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Crispy cheese soy beans

Side Effects of Soy Nuts

Soy nuts are often sold as a healthy snack and are roasted or baked soy beans. They may come in a wide range of flavors and can make a tasty snack that's rich in healthy protein. Not only can you eat soy nuts as a snack, but you may also experience several health-related side effects, some positive and some negative.

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General Nutritional Facts About Chicken

Chicken is a type of poultry that is high in protein and, when eaten without the skin, quite lean. Skinless white meat chicken breast is the lowest in fat and calories.

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Sugar

Can Diabetics Eat Brown Sugar?

Although many people associate brown foods with health and nutrition, brown sugar shouldn't be considered a healthy alternative to other sweeteners.

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Young girl jumping on sofa

Flintstone Vitamins Side Effects

Your children probably love Flintstone vitamins because of their shapes, colors and easy-to-chew pieces. Before you make Flintstone vitamins a daily staple, however, make sure you know about any potential side effects the vitamins may have. Even when taken properly, these vitamins can have some side effects.

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Grape Seed Extract and Skin Benefits

Grapes have been used for centuries to treat numerous conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The leaves of the vine were used to treat inflammation and pain, and the unripened grapes were used to soothe sore throats.

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Photo of two girls drinking water from PET bottle

Health Effects of Plastic Water Bottles

Some types of plastic water bottles contain chemicals that may leach into your drinking water. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is one of the most commonly cited culprits, and is found in hard plastic bottles marked with plastic code "7." Other plastics also pose a potential health threat.

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Image of boy eating spaghetti meatballs pasta in Italian restaurant

How Many Calories Does a Teenage Boy Need?

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth, change and development. With obesity and chronic disease on the rise, teenage boys should eat a balanced diet to ensure proper growth but also to maintain their optimum weight. A teen’s calorie needs are based on many factors including body size, rate of growth and activity level.

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Spices Curry Turmeric

Vitamins in Turmeric

The health benefits of turmeric come mainly from its primary active agent, which is curcumin. The World's Healthiest Foods encyclopedia explains that along with health benefits, curcumin is also what gives turmeric its yellow color.

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How to Remove Moles Yourself With Castor Oil

The castor plant produces a seed containing both a deadly poison and a beneficial oil. Castor oil is a popular alternative remedy for skin ailments, including the treatment of unwanted moles.

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Soybeans and tofu

How to Use Soy to Treat Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign, or non-cancerous, muscle cell growths that form on the uterine wall. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include tenderness, swelling, heavy menstrual bleeding, and spotting between periods. In severe cases of uterine fibroids, surgery, such as a hysterectomy, may be the only option.

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Bad Effects of Coca-Cola

First brewed by Dr. John Stith Pemberton in 1886, Coca-Cola has grown into the world's best-selling soda brand. According to trade publication "Beverage Digest," Coca-Cola held a 17 percent share of the U.S. soda market in 2009, selling nearly 1.6 billion cases.

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The Dangers of a Salt Water Cleanse

Salt cleanses are used to clean out the colon. They are sometimes performed alone--usually for people who are feeling constipation--or as part of another cleansing process such as a juice fast or the Master Cleanse.

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