As a child, you may have wondered why the grapes in the fruit bowl didn't taste much like grape juice or grape candy and sodas. That's because commercial grape juice gets its flavor from dark, thick-skinned grapes, rather than the sweeter and milder-flavored varieties grown for eating.

In the early years of the 20th century, as dairy and other food industries became larger and more concentrated, it became standard practice in America to pasteurize milk.

Wine can be a delicious addition to many recipes, but you must choose the right wine for your dish. Although you may be tempted to use up the bottle in the back of the fridge, the one you don't remember opening, a fresh and appropriate wine will do much more to enhance your food.

For better or for worse, some people simply need a cup of coffee -- or four -- to get going in the morning. But which one is it: for better or for worse? Coffee doesn't have a sterling reputation when it comes to your health, but your daily pick-me-up might actually be better for your body than you expect.

The length of time it takes for breast milk to dry up after weaning a baby varies from woman to woman. For some women who have nursed regularly for a long period of time, this process takes weeks or even months. For other women who have nursed only sporadically, it takes only a few days.

A warm mug of hot chocolate is a tasty treat after spending time outdoors in cold or snowy weather, but you may interested to learn that this beverage can also be a source of key nutrients. Depending on how you prepare your hot chocolate, you may be benefiting your body with essential vitamins and minerals.

If you love waking up to a cup of hot tea, keep on sipping. This beverage is high in antioxidants, and research shows it may help prevent heart disease, build stronger bones and even improve your mood, according to Harvard Health Publications. Tea isn't perfect, however, and does sometimes come with side effects.

Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Cherry juice may or may not aggravate symptoms because people respond differently to foods.

The herb chamomile has a role in traditional and alternative health practices. Two types of this plant are used to make teas. German chamomile and Roman or English chamomile each purport to offer relief for digestive problems.

Marinating tough beef in acid makes it more tender, but there are alternatives to acid that work just as well. Harsh acids like those in lemon juice and vinegar can actually dry out the meat and leach flavor from it.

Soy milk can be used as a milk replacement for people who are lactose-intolerant or who seek to increase their intake of soy protein. Like all soy products, soy milk has compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and affect estrogen levels.

Half the people in the United States consume soda on any given day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Even though sugary drinks such as soda are connected to negative health consequences like obesity and dental problems, they remain the leading source of calories in the teenage diet.