Moroccan cuisine reflects the influence of Africa, the Middle East, India, China and Malaysia. The Moroccan people also rely on Spanish, Portuguese and French foods and customs to shape their cuisine. The customs and rituals surrounding food are just as important as the cuisine.

Primarily made from barley, malt extract is a concentrated syrup used to add flavor and texture to a variety of foods, including beverages ranging from breakfast drinks to beer. The barley in the extract also adds vitamins, minerals and amino acids to these drinks.

If you're feeling bloated, especially around your feet, ankles, face or fingers, you might be suffering from fluid retention. Fluid retention, also sometimes called water retention or edema, occurs when fluids build up in your body, leading you to feel puffy.

Black quinoa is one of the three most widely cultivated and available varieties of quinoa, the others being white and red. Black quinoa is earthier and sweeter-tasting than white quinoa and maintains its black color when cooked. As with all quinoa varieties, it's also gluten-free.

Consuming no food for three days, also known as a short-term fast, involves drinking only water or juice, but refraining from all other foods. You might choose a short-term fast of three days as part of a detoxification diet or to lose weight rapidly.

Preservatives are divided into three categories: Antimicrobials, antioxidants and ascorbic acid. Antimicrobials prevent bacterial, mold and yeast development. Antioxidants preserve fats, keeping them from going rancid.

You may not even think about phlegm, also referred to as mucus, until you're producing more than normal due to an illness. But phlegm does more than help you empty your tissue box.

When it comes to blood cholesterol and heart health, you need to pick out the very leanest meats. Too much cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium in your diet can greatly affect your risk of cardiovascular disease. When you compare ground turkey with its beef counterpart, they’re relatively even.

Whether you are asleep, awake, exercising or reclining on your couch, your cells require a constant source of energy to carry on their metabolic tasks.

Calcium sulfate, or gypsum, is nontoxic. It's used as an additive in a variety of different foods as well as in supplements to help increase calcium intake. Check with your doctor before taking gypsum supplements to make sure these would be safe for you.

Bananas, the fourth largest fruit crop in the world, provide a number of essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, manganese and vitamins B-6 and C. However, in some cases they can cause gas or constipation, especially when eaten before they are ripe or consumed in large amounts.

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are big concerns for those suffering from hypothyroidism. When thyroid hormones are low, metabolism slows down, causing weight gain. Diet plays an important role in helping you manage the disease.