Apples are all created the same, nutritionally, but baking and drying create new textures and flavors. Baked apples tend to have additives, such as sugar, that will decrease the nutritional value.

Blood thinners such as warfarin or Coumadin are prescribed by doctors for patients who are at risk of serious health complications due to blood clotting. As with most medications, certain foods are contraindicated for patients on blood thinners.

For most people, potassium is a healthy part of their diets, and getting enough is easy by eating a variety of food. But doctors require some people with heart and kidney problems to lower their potassium intake. This turns out to be hard to do, since almost all foods contain some potassium.

If food prices were based on nutritional value, the humble carrot would be far more expensive. Carrots are the leading source of beta-carotene -- and therefore an important source of vitamin A -- in the American diet, according to “Wellness Foods A to Z: An Indispensable Guide for Health-Conscious Food Lovers.

Juniper berries are used in herbal medicine, and also flavor certain foods and gin. Although they are called berries, they are part of the cone and not a true berry. Most people can safely consume juniper berries in the amounts used in food, but some people should avoid consuming juniper in medicinal amounts.

The calimyrna fig originated in California and is a special breed of fig derived from the smyrna fig of Turkey. Known for its golden skin and nut-like flavor, the calimyrna fig is most commonly found dried but is also eaten fresh out of hand.

Purple kale has purple-green leaves and deep purple stems. The sturdy green is in season in spring and fall when the weather is cooler. Although tender young kale leaves are suitable for fresh use, the tougher larger leaves have the best flavor and texture after cooking.

Tamales contain meat, vegetables and seasonings tucked inside a tender dough wrapped in a corn husk and tied closed. The corn husk protects the tamale during steaming, while also providing its own serving container. Steaming tamales, as opposed to baking them, keeps the dough soft and tender.

Use a dehydrator to make crispy potatoes similar in texture -- but healthier -- than salted-and-fried potato chips. Potatoes have as much or more potassium than bananas, broccoli or spinach. They are also a source of vitamin C, magnesium, iron and zinc.

Urine can become discolored due to certain foods, food dyes and supplements you consume. Berries, including cranberries, can stain your urine. Your level of hydration and what else you ate with the cranberries will vary the color of your urine.

Artichokes may look inedible, but the tender heart makes a tasty option for your diet. Marinating artichokes adds a rich dimension of flavor -- the marinade generally contains olive oil and other seasonings. These artichokes are suitable for adding to salads, incorporating into casseroles and eating plain.

Sweet potatoes and yams contain many nutrients that make them a healthy addition to a weight loss meal plan. While similar, the two are not the same vegetable, and yams are not as easy to find in the United States.