Cycling places a high demand on your body. After those long or intense rides, your body requires re-fueling. Before you aimlessly grab something to eat, it is imperative you understand how certain foods work the best for proper recovery.

The fruit of the prickly pear cactus, known by the name cactus pear and prickly pear, is oval with a reddish-purple color. Also known as "tuna," the fruit ripens in late summer and early fall and has a granular consistency with a flavor reminiscent of watermelon.

Starvation mode refers to the tendency of the human body to conserve energy stores in times when it is not receiving enough nutrients to fuel basic metabolic functions. The two primary changes that your body makes during times of starvation are slowing down your metabolism and conserving fat stored in adipose tissue.

The B complex is a group of eight vitamins your body needs in small amounts. While they help metabolize the macronutrients, which include carbs, protein and fat, into energy, they also help regulate your appetite, support eye health, assist in making red blood cells and keep your skin healthy.

There are a number of reasons why your eyes may be puffy and red. But if you suspect the problem is food-related, it may be an allergy, which means any food may be the cause of the eye problem. Consult your doctor to help you identify the specific cause of your puffy, red eyes and how best to treat it.

A hernia develops when one of your organs bulges through a hole or weak area in a nearby muscle or connective tissue.

Dieting is hard enough, but when you've made the effort to change your eating habits only to experience powerful cravings, it can seem especially cruel. Unfortunately, many aspects of dieting are the very things that can lead to cravings, but others are emotional or lifestyle issues that you can overcome with practice.

The nutrients you’ll gain from peanuts are more likely to help you lose weight than to cause weight gain. In fact, people who regularly consume peanuts tend to weigh less than those who don’t eat nuts, according to a review in the September 2008 issue of the “Journal of Nutrition.

If you're plagued with heartburn, you may notice that drinking orange or grapefruit juice makes it worse. That's because the acidity in the juice may irritate the soft tissue that lines your esophagus. Drinking nonacidic juices may help ease your discomfort while satisfying your need for a sweetened beverage.

Concerns over the potential cancer-causing effects of artificial sweeteners have prompted ongoing research regarding their safety for human consumption.

The quality of your diet plays a key role in your health, and setting a goal to gain weight isn't a license to eat anything you want. While eating any extra calories -- even ones from fast food, ice cream and other "junk"

Wheat wraps and wheat bread are both high in fiber, B vitamins and a multitude of minerals, especially if you choose a whole-grain variety. But depending on your diet and your specific needs, wheat bread is generally a bit healthier.