It’s no coincidence that carrots have a permanent place in the produce aisle -- the sweet root vegetable is a popular snack; a common ingredient in soups, stews, salads and slaws; and a staple of crudite platters.

Baked potatoes have a rather poor reputation when it comes to diet and weight loss, especially among individuals who are trying to reduce their total carbohydrate intakes. However, you might be surprised to find out just how nutritious a baked potato actually is -- and how well it can fit into your weight loss plan.

The dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate website suggest people to eat several servings of grains each day -- six ounces for women and seven for men to be exact. Adding corn tortillas to your diet helps you reach your daily recommended intake.

When you hit the pavement -- or the treadmill, if you prefer running indoors -- you want to give your muscles and tendons all the fuel they need to maximize your running performance.

Flaxseed is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient especially important during the development of your child. However, flaxseed also contains lignans, chemicals that can mimic the actions of estrogen in your body.

Emergen-C is a powdered drink mix containing a variety of vitamins and minerals. Even though Emergen-C is sold over the counter and is generally safe, side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, gluten reactions, poor drug interactions and allergic reactions could occur.

Citric acid and ascorbic acid are two similar substances that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits such as lemons and limes.

Passing gas 13 to 21 times per day is normal, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. While flatulence can be bothersome, it's also a natural part of health, usually caused by swallowing air and the breakdown of certain foods in your large intestine.

Wheat kernels contain three parts: the outer coating known as bran, the germ portion that contains the plant embryo and the endosperm that comprises up to 80 percent of the kernel. Wheat is milled to separate these components and recombine them in various ways to create an array of flours.

Time and convenience are some of your biggest enemies when it comes to following a diet plan. But losing weight with the Atkins Diet may be a little easier for you with the diet's protein shakes.

Your body uses lipids, or fats, for insulation, to cushion organs and as a source of stored energy. Dietary fats also help your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Healthy adults should get 20 percent to 35 percent of total calories from fat, or 45 to 78 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The diet industry is exploding with fad diets, where you might eat only one kind of food, such as soup, or limit yourself to “detox” beverages to lose weight fast. When you want to drop 20 pounds, a quick fix may look appealing, especially with all those “before” and “after” photos to wow you.