Food for Health: Anti-Inflammatory Diets & Nutrients

How does the food we eat give us energy? From the anti-inflammatory benefits of a garlic-rich diet to the digestive impact of oatmeal and berries, understanding nutrient synergy is the foundation of an effective detox diet.

Close-up of a bottle of milk

Does Milk Help Digestion?

Milk offers a number of health benefits. It's rich in protein, good for your bones and may help keep your blood pressure in check. While some dairy products may benefit digestion, milk itself doesn't offer significant digestive benefits, and it may even cause digestive issues for some people.

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Blackberries

Disadvantages of Blackberries

Blackberries are quite nutritious, so there are few disadvantages to eating the fruit. In some cases, however, these plump, velvety berries can cause side effects such as changes to urine color.

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Spoonful of Stevia

Is Organic Stevia Better for You Than Erythritol?

It can be hard to figure out just which sugar alternative is the best choice, especially if you're trying to limit yourself to more-natural alternatives. Both organic stevia-based products and erythritol have their benefits, but they should only be consumed in limited amounts to limit the risk of side effects.

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Classic American apple pie.

Health Benefits of Stewed Apples

If you're looking for a healthy alternative to fatty or sugary desserts, stewed apples make an excellent option. Easy to prepare, stewed apples work well as a slightly sweet topping or as a dessert by itself, to be eaten with a spoon like a fruit compote. According to the U.S.

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Polenta grain

Grits & High Blood Sugar

A type of mush made from stone-ground corn or maize, grits are a Southern food staple, often eaten as a breakfast or dinner side dish. As a corn-based food, grits contain carbohydrates, the nutrient in food that digests into sugar and is then released into the bloodstream.

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Hundreds of apples

Does the Body Process Fruit Sugar and Refined Sugar in the Same Way?

Sugar is bad for you, no doubt about it. High intakes of sugar increase the risk of obesity and early death, according to a report from the Harvard Medical School. While your body processes the sugar in fruit the same way it processes the sugar from your sugar bowl, don't go throwing your fruit out.

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Food with unsaturated fats

Advantages & Disadvantages of Fats

Believe it or not, a healthy body needs fats. Getting the right kind and amount of dietary fat, however, can be tricky. If you eat too much of the wrong kind of fat, you increase your risk for health problems. If you don't get enough of the right kind of fats, your body's optimal functioning is compromised.

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raw meats

How to Identify Spoiled Meat

One way to stay safe against foodborne illnesses is to identify when meat has gone bad before it lands on your plate. Use the sight, smell and touch tests.

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Closeup mid section of a chef putting salt

5 Things You Need to Know About Recommended Daily Sodium Intake

Sodium is essential for life, but getting too much may be bad for your health. Depending on your specific health needs, dietary sodium recommendations range from 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams a day. Most Americans consume about 3,400 milligrams daily, according to the American Heart Association.

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Fruits salad for healthy

High Energy Foods for the Elderly

"Older adults tend to need fewer calories as they age because they are not as physically active as they once were and their metabolic rates slow down. Nevertheless, their bodies still require the same or higher levels of nutrients for optimal health outcomes," advises Alice H.

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Hispanic woman drinking glass of water

How Does Water Flush Fat Out of Your System?

Water is a good diet aid, but it can't magically flush fat from your body. It helps with weight control by maintaining fluid balance, helping you feel full and controlling calorie intake.

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travelers drinking cold water on the beach

Does Drinking Too Much Water Wash Out the Vitamins?

Getting enough of the recommended daily amount of essential minerals and vitamins is key for optimal health and body function. While some vitamins dissolve in water, your body will retain the nutrients it needs.

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Sour Dough Bread with Rye

Allergy to Sourdough Bread

Its distinctly sour taste makes sourdough a tasty bread. But if eating it makes you sick, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients. Only a doctor can diagnose a food allergy. If you suspect sourdough bread is making you feel sick, consult your doctor.

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Organic Rice, brown rice

Bloating from Brown Rice

With its nutty taste and chewy texture, brown rice has become a staple in many American kitchens; it's not just for health-food aficionados anymore. Also known as whole-grain rice, brown rice is not milled, so the bran and the germ of the grain are retained.

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Red Lentils in a Bowl

Nutrition in Red Vs. French Lentils

French lentils and red lentils may not be as commonly available in stores as are traditional brown lentils, but they each have distinctly flavorful properties that lend well to a variety of separate dishes.

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Bowl of carrots, studio shot

Can Carrots Raise Your Blood Sugar?

Carrots are a nutrient-rich vegetable, providing significant amounts of fiber, potassium and vitamins A, C and K. They also contain carbohydrates, making it possible for them to raise your blood sugar levels.

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bowl of oatmeal on wood

Can Oatmeal Help an Upset Stomach?

Whether it's nausea or diarrhea that's causing your upset stomach, eating a bowl of oatmeal may help. It's not that oatmeal contains some special nutrient that helps you feel better, but it's a bland, low-fat food that's fairly easy-to-digest, which means it makes a good choice when you're having tummy trouble.

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Boxes of beans

Beans & Estrogen

Beans are eaten around the world and are valued as an inexpensive protein source. Beans also contain many other components that make them an integral part of a healthy diet. Plant estrogens found in beans are being studied by many researchers to determine their benefits and possible risks.

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Young woman smiling and holding opposites, a strawberry and a chili pepper, in each hand

Chili Powder on Fruit for Weight Loss

Itโ€™s unexpected and different unless youโ€™re familiar with fruit carts in Latin America, but chili powder sprinkled on fruit makes for a pleasantly sweet-spicy combination.

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