A balanced diet provides your body with the vital nutrients it needs to build and maintain healthy cells, tissues and organs, which are crucial for proper growth and development.

The human body is made of 60 percent water, and all bodily functions are affected if you are dehydrated. Even though drinking fluids is the first way many people think to rehydrate their body, you actually consume 20 percent of your fluid intake from the foods you eat.

Traditional to Asian cuisine, kelp noodles are most commonly found in Korean cooking, where the light taste and springy texture of the noodles take well to the rich and fragrant sauces of the cuisine.

Because more than one-third of Americans are classified as overweight or obese, a lot of public focus centers on the health consequences of carrying excess weight. What’s discussed less frequently are the health risks associated with a low body mass index, or BMI.

Silicates such as sodium aluminosilicate are naturally occurring compounds of oxygen and silicon. They are found in the earth’s crust, as well as in plants, animals and water. Silicates are largely nontoxic and do not accumulate in body tissues, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Vital wheat gluten is made by extracting all of the gluten in wheat and leaving behind the starch. It is sold as a powder that is available in many health food and specialty food grocers, as well as at certain high-end supermarkets.

Following a diet that contains no grains or sugar might seem like a challenge at first, but it can yield lasting weight loss and health benefits that make it worth the effort.

Recently, probiotics have become popular in the mainstream due to their ability to calm digestive ailments and disturbances. Probiotics have actually existed for a long time, and foods that contain them have been staples of many cultures' diets.

Hydrogenated oil is a man-made food substance that is used widely throughout the food supply for its cost efficiency and technical advantages. Also known as trans fats, these oils have become more known for their damaging health effects.

If you're struggling during your workout, you might consider adding a supplement such as BSN N.O.-XPLODE. Taken before your workout, this supplement is supposed to improve your energy and end results, according to the BSN website. Consult your doctor before adding any dietary supplements to your diet.

The nervous system oversees many functions in the body, including involuntary reactions to emergencies and the digestion of food. Most importantly, the nervous system handles the stress response, which, if overworked, can eventually lead to diseases ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes.

An ongoing debate rages regarding the health effects of coconut oil. This oil has been said to possess various health benefits, but it is also very high in saturated fat -- a type of fat linked to coronary heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.