Rice balls, or onigiri, are multipurpose, portable snacks. Thought to have originated in Japan, the balls, squares or molded patties of cooked rice often appear in lunch boxes and Asian fast-food outlets. Once the rice is cooked, you can stuff the rice balls with condiments or other fillings.

Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle function and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Many Americans don't get enough of this essential mineral, according to Colorado State University Extension. This is compounded by the high intakes of sodium typical in the U.S.

Some home remedies and folk cures have some basis in fact, though not all of them do. Proponents claim apple cider vinegar has all sorts of benefits, from lowering blood pressure to dissolving gallstones.

Even under normal conditions, blood sugar levels vary throughout the day, but a sudden rise in blood sugar can be alarming. Stress or illness may cause blood sugar levels to rise suddenly. If you have diabetes, a sudden rise may involve diet or medication.

A cinnamon craving hasn’t been connected with a definite cause. If you crave cinnamon, it may just reflect your desire for a favorite food, especially if you haven’t eaten it for a while.

People with certain conditions must limit their oxalate intake. Oxalate is a substance found in many plants. In the body, it can combine with calcium and form crystals that can contribute to kidney stones and gout. It also promotes inflammation, which aggravates inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Diet powders help curb hunger, helping you consume fewer calories when used correctly. Dozens of varieties make appealing marketing claims, but not all can deliver on their promises. Rather than relying on the first supplement you find, use a healthy powder combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

Quitting caffeine can be a difficult process. Many people don’t think of caffeine as a drug, but it's a form of stimulant from a class of drugs called xanthines. You can become habituated to caffeine and dependent on its effects, so quitting caffeine can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms.

Although some people think you need to give up all sweet treats if you're diabetic, that isn't necessarily the case. Choosing the right foods and properly planning your carbohydrate intake throughout the day can make it possible to indulge on occasion.

An exercise regimen is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, the body loses vital fluids during strenuous physical activity, and some doctors and exercise physiologists recommend drinking liquids before, during and after workouts.

Eggs provide a number of essential nutrients for kids, including protein, riboflavin and selenium. How you prepare eggs, however, can affect how good they are for kids.

Your body needs iron to carry oxygen to your red blood cells. Low iron levels can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and difficulty thinking. Very high iron levels can also cause health problems, including liver damage. You can inherit a tendency to absorb more iron than normal from your diet.